B
a t t l e H
o n o u r s
MEDITERRANEAN
1940-44 - MATAPAN 1941 - LIBYA
1940-42 - SFAX 1941 - CRETE
1941 - MALTA CONVOYS 1941-42 -
SIRTE
1942 - SICILY 1943 - SALERNO 1943 -
AEGEAN 1943 - ANZIO 1944 - ADRIATIC
1944 - NORMANDY 1944
H e r a l d i
c
D a t a
Badge: On a Field Black,issuant in water from base
barry wavy White
and Blue a demi Pegasus White, winged Blue, on the wing a
fleur-de lys Gold.
D
e t a i l s o f Pr
e - W a r S e r v i c e
1 9 3 9
May
Contractors trials and commissioned for
service in 7th Destroyer Flotilla, Home
Fleet.
12th
Commenced Acceptance trials on completion
of build.
14th
Sailed for Chatham after Acceptance
damage. To be confirmed.)
30th
Taken in hand by HM Dockyard, Chatham for
repair of collision damage,
June
7th
Embarked ammunition at Sheerness.
8th
Passage from to Portland for work-up prior
to operational service.
July
Completed work-up and took passage to
Sheerness to rectify defects found
during trials and work-up
10th
Under repair by HM Dockyard, Sheerness,
30th
Passage to Scapa Flow from Sheerness for
Home Fleet service.
August
Deployed with Home Fleet for exercises and
war station nominated.
24th
Passage to Dover for patrol in Channel
30th
Passage to join Humber Force based at
Immingham with HM Destroyers JAVELIN,
JUPITER
and ECHO of 7th Flotilla.
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 with Humber Force for
interception of German ships attempting to
return to harbour or to act as commerce
raiders as well as for convoy defence.
(Note: Other ships in Humber Force were HM
Cruisers SOUTHAMPTON, GLASGOW,
with HM Destroyer JAGUAR to join later.)
2nd
Part of destroyer screen for HM Cruisers
SOUTHAMPTON and GLASGOW during patrol off
coasts of Norway, Denmark and Germany for
interception of mercantiles
(Note: This deployment was in anticipation
of declaration of war with Germany.)
4th
German mercantile JOHANNES MOLKEN BUHR
intercepted but scuttled on
approach to avoid capture. Rescued crew
who had taken to boats.
7th
Deployed at Immingham with Flotilla as
part of Humber Force in North Sea.
(For details of naval activities in Home
waters between September 1939 and
April 1940 see ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE
CLOSELY by C Barnett and
the Naval Staff History.)
9th
Intercepted German freighters BONDE and
GUSTAFFE E REUTER off Norwegian
coast and sent vessels in Prize to
Kirkwall.
On return to Rosyth carried out Boiler
Clean in Immingham commercial shipyard.
22nd
Sailed from Rosyth to take part in Home
Fleet operation to tempt German Navy into
action
in southern North Sea. (Operation SK)
Operation abandoned after collision
between HMS JERSEY and HMS JAVELIN.
30th
Sustained damage whilst alongside at
Rosyth when HMS JUPITER mishandled
procedure for
berthing
October
On completion of repair work resumed
operational service.
8th
Sailed for anti-submarine patrol and
investigation of report of enemy naval
activity.
Under air attacks when HMS JUPITER
disabled by machinery defect.
Took HMS JUPITER in tow for passage to
Scapa Flow.
9th
Arrived at Scapa Flow.
14th
Sailed from Rosyth with cruisers of Humber
Force for interception patrol against
shipping.
(Note: Two German mercantiles were boarded
and sent to Kirkwall with Prize crews.
16th
Detached from cruisers and took passage as
escort for convoy of independent shipping.
On arrival in Forth estuary came under air
attacks during which HM Destroyer MOHAWK
which had joined convoy was damaged by
near misses and sustained serious damage
with many
killed including her captain
18th
Sailed from Rosyth with HM Destroyers
JERSEY, COSSACK and MAORI as screen for HM
Battlecruiser REPULSE to intercept a
blockade runner in NW Approaches.
20th
Joined ships of Home Fleet after passage
in atrocious weather.
21st
Detached and took passage with HMS JERSEY
to Sullom Voe, Shetland for anti submarine
patrol.
After refuelling carried out unsuccessful
search.
23rd
Took part with HM Destroyers JERSEY,
COSSACK, MAORI in search for American
mercantile CITY OF FLINT which had been captured
by German commerce raider.
Stoker rating swept overboard in heavy
weather and lost his life.
24th
Search abandoned when mercantile reported
at Murmansk.
25th
Returned to Rosyth.
26th
Passage to Immingham with ships of 7th
Flotilla.
Carried out offensive sweep to enemy
shipping off Dutch coast and returned to
Humber.
November
North Sea deployment with Flotilla for convoy defence in NW Approaches.
(Note: Ship deployed as escort for three
north-bound convoys FN34,36 and 39.
During this period Flotilla staff moved
ashore to set up destroyer base at
Immingham.
Ships of Home Fleet had been moved to Loch
Ewe and Clyde area after loss of HM
Battleship ROYAL OAK.
23rd
Taken in hand for refit by Brigham and
Cowan shipyard in Hull
December
9th
Resumed Flotilla duties in North Sea on
completion of refit.
10th
Deployed with HM Destroyers JUNO, JANUS,
JAGUAR and JUPITER for anti-submarine
operations off Dutch coast.
11th
Returned to Immingham after successful
sweep.
Transferred to convoy escort of convoys
too and from Norway based at Sullom Voe.
25th
Returned to Immingham.
29th
Deployed with HMS JANUS for North Sea
patrol on convoy route.
1 9 4 0
January
North Sea deployment including escort of East Coast convoys and those to and from
Norway.
(Note: Projected Fleet operation in Baltic
abandoned. See ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE
CLOSELY by C Barnett.
February
6th
At Hull for Boiler clean and fit of
Degaussing equipment by commercial
shipyard.
14th
Resumed operational service at Immingham.
24th
Escorted south bound convoy from Tyne to
Humber
Returned to Immingham.
March
4th
Sailed from Rosyth for escort of Convoy
ON17A during passage to Bergen, Norway.
10th
Returned to Rosyth from Bergen.
(Note: Carried out attacks on submarine
without success. during return)
Deployed for escort of coastal convoys.
18th
Sailed from Rosyth with outward convoy to
Norway.
19th
Involved in collision with Swedish ss TOR
near Longstone Light and sustained major
damage to bow structure which prevent ship
steaming ahead.
(Note: 17 of ship’s company were killed in
this tragic accident.
Returned to Tyne escorted by HM Destroyers
JAVELIN and JANUS.
20th
Taken in for repair at Swan Hunter
shipyard, Newcastle.
April
Under repair
to
May
Pennant Number for visual signalling
purposes changed to G00.
June
Resumed operational duty as Leader of 14th
Destroyer Flotilla,
(Note: Ships of Flotilla were now part of
Mediterranean Fleet based at Alexandria.)
9th
On completion of post repair trials took
passage to Scapa Flow to work-up for
operational deployment in Mediterranean.
24th
On completion of post repair trials took
passage to Plymouth.
27th
Took passage to Mediterranean with General
Sir Mason McDarlanew, Governor designate
for
of Gibraltar embarked.
29th
Arrived at Gibraltar and disembarked
passengers.
July
1st
Passage to Malta to join Flotilla
6th
Under air attack at
Malta without damage.
9th
Sailed from Malta with HM Destroyers
DIAMOND and VENDETTA as escort for
Convoy MF1
(Note: This convoy was taking civil
personnel and families from Malta after
outbreak of war
with Italy.)
(For details of all Malta Convoy
operations see MALTA CONVOY by R Woodman.)
13th
Arrived at Alexandria after relief from
escort by HM Destroyers STUART, HAVOCK
and IMPERIAL.
Commenced service in 14th Flotilla with HM
Destroyers JANUS, JUNO, MOHAWK
and NUBIAN
27th
Deployed with Flotilla to cover passage of
inward convoy to Alexandria from Aegean.
Under air attack.
August
1st
Returned to Alexandria as escort for HM
Battleship MALAYA which had withdrawn from
covering duty due to boiler defects.
Deployed with Flotilla for diversionary
operation in Eastern Mediterranean during
Malta
aircraft delivery by HMS ARGUS IN western
Mediterranean (Operation MA)
4th
Deployed with Flotilla for sweep in
eastern Mediterranean.
11th
Returned to Alexandria and carried out
Boiler Clean.
20th
Resumed Flotilla duty.
Deployed with HM Destroyers JANUS, NUBIAN,
MOHAWK, HERO and HOSTILE as
screen for HMS LIVERPOOL to provide cover
for Aegean convoy on passage from Athens.
(Operation MA9)
29th
Deployed as escort for Convoy MF2 during
passage to Malta with HM Destroyers
DAINTY, DIAMOND and JUNO covered by ships of the
Mediterranean
Fleet (Operation MB3).
(Note: This was part of a joint operation
HATS to cover the transfer of HM Aircraft
Carrier
ILLUSTRIOUS, HM Battleship VALIANT, HM
Cruisers CALCUTTA and
COVENTRY to reinforce Fleet at Alexandria.
For details see Naval Staff History
(HMSO – 2002) and MALTA CONVOYS by R
Woodman.)
31st
Under air attacks during which ss CORNWALL in convoy was hit and
set of fire.
Transferred Medical Officer to assist with
casualties See reference.
September
2nd
Arrived in Malta escort to ss CORNWALL
with HMS JUNO.
3rd
Deployed with four other destroyers as
screen for HM Battleship MALAYA, HM
Aircraft
Carrier EAGLE and HM Cruiser COVENTRY as
Force E to cover passage of Convoy AS3
from Greece during passage to Alexandria.
4th
HMS EAGLE detached from Force E to join
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS for attacks on airfields
on Rhodes
5th
Arrived at Alexandria with Force E
11th
Deployed with HMS JANUS and HMS NUBIAN as
anti-submarine escort for HM Monitor
TERROR, HM River Gunboats APHIS and
LADYBIRD during passage to carry out
bombardment on enemy positions west of
Sollum Bay.
12th
Carried out bombardment from close
inshore.
13th
Returned to Alexandria with same ships and
joined HM Cruiser KENT and two other ships
of 3rd Cruiser Squadron as screen with HM
Destroyers HERO, HASTY and HEREWARD
during offensive sweep in Eastern
Mediterranean.
16th
Joined including HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, HMS
VALIANT, HM Cruiser ORION and destroyer
screen to take part in naval gunfire
support for military operation to repel
Italian advance
towards Cairo.
17th
Deployed as screen for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS,
HMS COVENTRY and HMS CALCUTTA
during air operations including minelay in
Benghazi harbour and torpedo attacks on
shipping.
(Note: These were very successful. See
above references.
On completion detached with ships of 3rd
Cruiser Squadron to carry out bombardment
at Bardia.
During passage came under attack by
torpedo aircraft, which hit and disabled
HMS KENT.
Assisted in operation to tow damaged
cruiser with HMS JUNO and HMS JANUS.
19th
Arrived at Alexandria with HMS KENT.
22nd
Carried out bombardment of Sidi Barrani
with HM Destroyers JANUS, JUNO
and MOHAWK of Flotilla in support of
military operations against Italian
advance
in western desert.
28th
Deployed with screen for HMS WARSPITE, HMS
VALIANT, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS,
HM Cruisers ORION, SYDNEY (RAN) ands YORK
to cover passage of HM Cruisers
GLOUCESTER and LIVERPOOL taking
reinforcement troops to Malta.
Operation MB5)
October
6th
Deployed with HM Destroyers DAINTY, DECOY,
IMPERIAL, JANUS, JUNO,
STUART (RAN) and VAMPIRE (RAN) as screen
for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, HMS
EAGLE, HMS MALAYA, HMS RAMILLIES, HMS
VALIANT, HMS WARSPITE,
HM Cruisers AJAX,
GLOUCESTER, LIVERPOOL, ORION,
SYDNEY (RAN) and
YORK to provide Distant Cover for passage
of Convoy MF3 during passage from
Alexandria to Malta (Operation MB6).
11th
Remained with screen after arrival of MF3
at Malta to provide cover for passage of
return Convoy MF4 to Alexandria.
12th
Detached from main Fleet screen with HMS
JANUS to assist HMS AJAX which had
engaged a group of Italian warships on
passage to attack MF4.
(Note: For details of this engagement see
above references.
13th
Rejoined Fleet units with HMS AJAX
(Note: One source suggests ship escorted
convoy on passage from Piraeus to join
MF4.
To be confirmed.))
14th
Under air attacks during which HMS
LIVERPOOL was seriously damaged and was
taken in tow by HMS ORION.
15th
Deployed with escort for HMS ORION during
passage to Alexandria.
16th
Arrived at Alexandria with Fleet units
which had carried out air attacks on
Leros.
Under enemy air raid on harbour at
Alexandria.
18th
Carried out Flotilla sea exercises whilst
at Alexandria.
25th
(Note: During these exercises a US Navy
officer was embarked as an observer.)
November
6th
Deployed as screen for HMS ILLUSTRIOUS,
HMS MALAYA, HMS WARSPITE,
HMS AJAX, HMS GLOUCESTER, HMS ORION, HMAS
SYDNEY, and HMS
YORK with HM Destroyers DECOY, DEFENDER, HASTY. HAVOCK,
HEREWARD, HERO, HYPERION. ILEX, JANUS,
JUNO, MOHAWK and NUBIAN
to provide Distant Cover for passage of
Convoys MW3 to Malta and returning
Convoy ME3.
(Operation MB8 Part of joint Operation
COAT to pass further reinforcements to
Mediterranean
Fleet at Alexandria. These were HM
Battleship BARHAM, HM Cruisers BERWICK and
GLASGOW, HM Destroyers GALLANT, GRIFFIN
and GREYHOUND.)
9th
Remained with Fleet screen off Malta when
MW3 arrived.
10th
Destroyers from reinforcements joined
screen.
11th
Deployed with Fleet screen during air
attacks on Italian warships at Taranto by
aircraft from HMS ILLUSTRIOUS (Operation
JUDGEMENT)
14th
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units.
15th
Part of destroyer screen for Force A
providing cover for military convoy to
Suda
Bay, Crete and to carry our air attacks on
Rhodes.
(Note: Force A comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS,
HMS WARSPITE, HMS VALIANT
HMS ORION and HMAS SYDNEY)
16th
Deployed with Flotilla and 3rd Cruiser
Squadron ships for cover of passage of
military
convoys to and from Greece.
(Note: This was part of a support for
defence of Greece after invasion and
involved
personnel as well as materiel, at the
expense of the Eighth Army and air
defence.)
17th
Visited Suda Bay assess extent of
necessary improvement for use by RN ships.
19th
Returned to Alexandria with covering
ships.
27th
Under air attacks during operations at
Rhodes.
28th
With Force A screen when meeting Force E
and Force F for passage to Alexandria.
(Note: Force E comprised HM Cruisers
GLASGOW, GLOUCESTER and YORK
with four destroyers.
Force F comprised HM Cruisers MANCHESTER,
SOUTHAMPTON and
HM Destroyer YORK joining the Fleet at Alexandria
as reinforcements
from UK (Operation COLLAR)
29th
Deployed with Fleet screen to cover
passage of ME4 from Malta to Alexandria.
December
1st
Arrived at Alexandria with Fleet units.
(Note: Lieutenant Opie, US Navy who had
been embarked as an observer left ship.)
8th
Deployed with HMS JANUS, HMS NUBIAN and HM
Destroyer HEREWARD for
support of military advance by 8th Army in
western Desert (Operation COMPASS)
(Note: Ships of Flotilla were to provide
anti-submarine and AA protection of
Inshore
Squadron which included including HM
Monitor TERROR and HM River Gun
Boats LADYBIRD, APHIS and HM Minesweeper
BAGSHOT.)
HMS HEREWARD was carrying commando
detachment for raid in
Sollim Bay
See THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE MEDITERRANEAN (HMSO-2002.)
Took part in bombardment of Sidi Barrani.
11th
Bombarded Sollum area with HMS JANUS and
HMS NUBIAN in support of
military advance.
12th
Returned to Alexandria with HM Monitor
TERROR.
13th
Deployed as escort for damaged cruiser HMS
COVENTRY during passage to
Alexandria after being hit forward by
torpedo from Italian Submarine NEGHELLI
and steaming stern first for repair.
16th
Deployed with ships of Flotilla with
Mediterranean Fleet screen to provide
Distant Cover for
passage of Malta Convoy MW5, return Convoy
ME5 to Alexandria, various air operations
against shipping , attacks on Aegean
shipping. and bombardment of Valona.
(Operation HIDE –MW5 included HM
Battleship MALAYA returning to UK.)
18th
Detached with HM Destroyers JANUS and JUNO as screen for HM Cruisers
AJAX, ORION and SYDNEY (RAN) during
offensive operation against shipping
in Aegean. (Operation MC1)
20th
Rejoined Fleet units.
(Note: During this unsuccessful. operation
Fleet units carried out bombardment of
Valona
on 19th.)
21st
Deployed with HMS JANUS and HMS JUNO to
carry out mine clearance through Narrows
in advance of Fleet units.
Rejoined Fleet units covering westward
passage of HMS MALAYA
Detached to join HM Destroyers HYPERION
and ILEX in screen for HMS MALAYA as
part of Force F escorting re-designated
Convoy MG1 to Gibraltar See references.
On relief by destroyers from Gibraltar detached with HMS HYPERION and HMS ILEX and
took return passage through Sicilian
Narrows to rejoin Mediterranean Fleet
units.
22nd
HMS HYPERION which had been hit by a
torpedo fired by the Italian submarine
SERPENTE was disabled. Attempts made to
tow stricken ship had been made by HMS
ILEX which was sunk by HMS JANUS. Embarked
ships company.
(Note: Earlier records show ship was mined
in Italian minefield 4AN laid
between Cape Bon and Pantalleria on 7th/8th October. Contemporary
claim the sinking by SERPENTE but post War
records are at variance
and show the sinking was by submarine
torpedo.)
24th
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units.
1 9 4 1
January
Carried out Boiler Clean.
7th
Deployed as screen for Force A with HM
Destroyers DAINTY, GALLANT,
GREYHOUND, GRIFFIN, JUNO , MOHAWK and
NUBIAN to provide cover
for passage of Convoy MW 5½ to Malta from
Alexandria (Operation MC4)
(Note: Force A comprised HMS ILLUSTRIOUS,.
HMS WARSPITE and
and HMS VALIANT. Operation also covered
return Convoys ME 5 ½
and ME6 from Malta to Egypt.)
It was also part of Operation EXCESS to
pass a military convoy from
Gibraltar.)
8th
Refuelled at Suda Bay and sailed to rejoin Fleet.
9th
Withdrawn from Screen and took passage to
Malta for repair of machinery defect.
10th
On completion took passage took passage to
rejoin Fleet screen. to meet the EXCESS
convoy.
(Note: Fleet units had been under heavy
and sustained air attacks by newly arrived
German
aircraft during which HMS ILLUSTRIOUS was
seriously damaged. See references.
11th
Under heavy air attacks and detached with
HMS ORION, HMAS PERTH
and HMS JANUS to assist HM Cruisers
GLOUCESTER and SOUTHAMPTON
which had sustained major damage.
Took part with other ships in operations
to rescue of survivors from HMS
SOUTHAMPTON after uncontrollable fires had made evacuation necessary,
(Note: HMS SOUTHAMPTON was then sunk by
HMS ORION.)
12th
Deployed with Fleet screen during return
passage to Alexandria.
15th
Arrived at Alexandria with Fleet units.
19th
Deployed AS SCREEN FOR HM Cruisers
BONAVENTURE and ORION with
HM Destroyers NUBIAN and HERO to carry out
naval gunfire support to military
forces approaching Tobruk.
20th
Delayed on passage by weather conditions
and bombardment impossible.
Diverted to Suda Bay and joined by HM Destroyers
JUNO, JANUS and GREYHOUND.
21st
Took passage to Malta.
23rd
Escorted HMS ILLUSTRIOUS to Alexandria
after temporary repair in Malta with same
ships.
25th
Arrived at Alexandria after unscathed
passage.
February
Deployed with Flotilla for screening of
Fleet units providing cover for passage
of empty supply ships from Malta to Egypt.
(Note: Naval operations were restricted
because of lack of an aircraft carrier
but by 23rd shore cover made possible
limited reinforcement of garrison
by transfer of troops in cruisers. Fleet
units were deployed to provide
cover against surface attack.)
7th
Nominated for service with Flotilla based
at Suda Bay.
Sailed from Alexandria with HM Destroyers
JANUS, JAGUAR and MOHAWK to
cover passage of two convoys during
passage from Greece to Egypt.
9th
Deployed at Suda Bay for convoy defence and
patrol.
(Note: Ships of Flotilla embarked troops
to carry out in invasion of island of Kaso was
abandoned.)
Returned to resume Fleet duties at
Alexandria.
19th
Deployed with HM Destroyers DECOY, HAVOCK,
HEREWARD, HERO.
HOTSPUR, ILEX, JANUS and JAGUAR as screen
for HMS BARHAM, HMS
VALIANT, EAGLE and COVENTRY to provide
cover for passage of troops
to Malta by HMS AJAX, HMS ORION and HMS
GLOUCESTER and return of
HM Supply Ship BRECONSHIRE and ss CLAN
MACAULAY (Operation MC8).
23rd
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units.
March
Fleet deployment restricted until arrival
of HMS FORMIDABLE.
Carried out Flotilla exercises in Eastern
Mediterranean.
6th
Deployed at Suda Bay to provide cover for
military convoys taking troops and stores
to
Greece (Operation LUSTRE)
18th
Returned to Alexandria to resume Fleet
duties.
20th
Deployed with HM Destroyers DECOY,
DEFENDER, GREYHOUND, GRIFFIN,
HASTY, HAVOCK, HERO, HEREWARD, HOTSPUR,
ILEX, JANUS, JAGUAR,
MOHAWK and NUBIAN as screen for HMS
WARSPITE, HMS VALIANT, HMS
BARHAM, HM Aircraft Carrier FORMIDABLE.
HMS AJAX, GLOUCESTER, HMS
ORION and HMAS PERTH during provision of
cover for passage of Convoy MW6
to Malta from Egypt and Haifa (Operation
MC9)
24th
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units
after requirement for cover ended.
(Note: Planned Boiler Clean was cancelled
in view of an anticipated Fleet operations
27th
Following report by aircraft of Italian
Fleet movement threatening passage of
military convoys to Greece (Operation
LUSTRE), deployed with ships of 14th and
10th Destroyer Flotillas, HMS HOTSPUR and
HMS HAVOCK of 2nd Destroyer
Flotilla in Force A as destroyer screen.
(Note: Force A comprised HMS WARSPITE, HMS
BARHAM, HMS VALIANT and
HMS FORMIDABLE.)
Passage to intercept Italian Fleet units
28th
Took part in night action against Italian
battle group in Battle of Cape Matapan.
(For full details of battle see MATAPAN by
SW Pack, Naval Staff History and above
references.)
Detached from screen with HMS NUBIAN to
search for Italian cruiser POLA known
to have been disabled in aircraft torpedo
attack from HMS FORMIDABLE.
29th
Sank hulk of Italian cruiser ZARA which
had been disabled by 15” gunfire whilst
assisting POLA.
Rescued 257 of crew of stricken POLA, the
remainder being taken by HMS NUBIAN,
Intended sinking of hulk of POLA failed
and second attempt by HMS NUBIAN
succeeded.
Rejoined Fleet screen and took return
passage to Alexandria.
30th
Arrived at Alexandria.
April
1st
Taken in hand for repair to rudder in dry
dock.
8th
Deployed with HM Cruiser COVENTRY and HM
Destroyer JANUS as escort for
Convoy AN25 to Piraeus.
On passage nominated for service in Malta
as Striking Force with HM Destroyers
JANUS,
NUBIAN and MOHAWK.
(Note: Formed Force K for interception of
enemy convoys on passage to and from North
African
ports in support of Afrika Corps
operations.)
10th
Arrived at Malta to commence operations.
11th
Carried out unsuccessful night search for
Italian convoy and returned to Malta.
Sailed for another search and came under
air attack.
12th
Returned to Malta in an air raid after no
sighting.
13th
At Malta during further air raids.
15th
Sailed from Malta to intercept Italian
convoy reported on passage to North
African port.
16th
Took part in night attack with ships of
Force K on five mercantiles escorted by
the Italian
destroyers LUCA TARIGO, BALENO, and LAMPO
in Kerkenah Bank area, SW of
Cape Bon. All escorts and ships in convoy were sunk for the loss of HMS MOHAWK
which was hit by a torpedo fired from LUCA
TARIGO before she herself was sunk.
(Note: This was one of the most successful
actions against a supply convoy.
see above references for details.)
Rescued survivors from HMS MOHAWK with HMS
NUBIAN. 169 in total by both ships.)
(Note: Overturned hulk sunk by gunfire
from HMS JANUS.)
Returned to Malta with Force K ships,
except HMS MOHAWK.
19th
Deployed with HMS DIAMOND, HMS JANUS and
HMS NUBIAN as escort for ships
of Convoy ME7 on initial stage of passage
from Malta to Egypt.
20th
Detached from ME7 with HMS JANUS and
rejoined Mediterranean Fleet for planned
bombardment of Tripoli.
Deployed with HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK,
HEREWARD, HERO, HOTSPUR
JAGUAR and JUNO as screen for HMS WARSPITE, HMS BARHAM HMS VALIANT
and HMS GLOUCESTER as Force B (Operation
MD2)
21st
Took part in bombardment of harbour
installations for 40 minutes with Force B.
On completion detached from Force C and
took passage to Malta to resume Force K
service.
(Note:HM Destroyer JAGUAR joined Force K
for passage to Malta.)
22nd
Arrived in Malta.
23rd
Sailed with ships of Force K to carry out
search for supply convoy.
24th
Sighted the escorting Italian naval EGEO
off Lampedusa.
Engaged by main armament and by torpedoes
from HMS JUNO the enemy ship was set on
fire and later sunk. by torpedo from HMS
JANUS.
Returned to Malta after failing to find
convoy.
(Note: The convoy aware of the attack was
able to escape during this engagement.
Only 26
Italians were saved later by an Italian
hospital ship.)
Returned to Malta with ships of Force.
28th
Took passage from Malta with HM Cruisers
DIDO and ABDIEL, HM Destroyers
IMPERIAL, JAGUAR, and JUNO as escort for
HM Supply Ship BRECONSHIRE
during passage to Alexandria.
(Note: The Flotilla forming Force K had
been relieved Malta by the 5th Destroyer
Flotilla. The cruisers were part of the
reinforcements for the Mediterranean
Fleet in Alexandria. Operation SALIENT.)
30th
Arrived at Alexandria with HMS BRECONSHIRE
and escort and rejoined the
Mediterranean Fleet for Flotilla duties.
May
HM Destroyers KINGSTON, KANDAHAR and
KIPLING joined 14th Flotilla.
Entered floating dock for inspection of
underwater fittings.
6th
Deployed with HM Destroyers GRIFFIN,
HAVOCK, HEREWARD, HERO, HOTSPUR
JUNO, KANDAHAR,
KIMBERLEY, KINGSTON, NIZAM and
NUBIAN as screen
for HMS FORMIDABLE, HMS BARHAM, HMS
VALIANT, HMS WARSPITE,
HM Cruisers ABDIEL, ORION, PERTH (RAN) and
HM Supply Ship BRECONSHIRE
to provide cover for Convoys MW7A and MW7B
during passage from Alexandria to Malta.
(Operation MD4)
8th
Under unsuccessful attack by Italian
submarine SETTIMO
9th
Embarked fuel from HMS BRECONSHIRE.
Remained off Malta with screen for
Mediterranean Fleet units to provide
Distant Cover for
military convoy from Gibraltar during its
passage to Alexandria with tanks.
(Operation TIGER – See above references.)
12th
Arrived at Alexandria with destroyers of
Fleet screen.
14th
Sailed from Alexandria as part of screen
for major units of Mediterranean Fleet
deployed to cover Forces D and C for
defence of Crete.
(Note: These two Forces were made up of
cruisers and destroyer screens for patrol
to
intercept ant Italian units attempting to
land troops in Crete and to protect
convoys on passage to reinforce the
British garrison.)
16th
Deployed for interception patrol overnight
in Kithera and Antikithera Channels.
17th
Refuelled from major Fleet units with
other destroyers
20th
Returned to Alexandria after further
interception patrol.
21st
Carried out bombardment of airfield at
Scarpanto, east of Crete with HM
Destroyers
NIZAM and ILEX.
22nd
Under air attacks with HMAS NIZAM during
return passage to Alexandria.
(Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was damaged in these
attacks had been unable to take
part earlier because of deficiency of
fighter aircraft.)
23rd
Sailed from Alexandria with HM Destroyers
NIZAM, HAVOCK and ILEX after refuelling.
Under air attacks after carrying out
patrol off Heraklion
24th
At Alexandria.
25th
Sailed for attacks by aircraft from HM
Aircraft carried FORMIDABLE part of screen
for
HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH, BARHAM ,
FORMIDABLE with HM Destroyers
NUBIAN, KANDAHAR, HASTY, HEREWARD, VOYAGER
(RAN) and VENDETTA
(RAN) during air attacks on airfield at
Scarpanto (Operation MA3Q)
26th
Under air attacks during which HMS
FORMIDABLE was hit and sustained serious
damage.
HMS NUBIAN was also hit and sustained
damage to steering gear.
Escorted HMS NUBIAN until relieved by HMS
JACKAL for return to main fleet
escort.
27th
Returned to Alexandria
28th
Sailed with HMS JANUS, HMS HASTY for
evacuation of troops from Sphakia.
(Note: HM Cruisers PHOEBE, COVENTRY,
CARLISLE, PERTH (RAN) and HM Supply Ship
GLENGYLE were also deployed.)
29th
Embarked troops in ship’s boats to ferry
soldiers to the larger ships off shore
with AA
cover from HMS COVENTRY AND CALCUTTA.
(Note: 560 troops were embarked)
30th
Sailed from Sphakia with evacuation ships.
(Note: In all 6,029 British and
Commonwealth troops were rescued.)
Under air attacks on passage )
For details see Naval Staff History and
CRETE by SW Pack.)
June
1st
Returned to Alexandria from Sphakia.
Nominated for support of military
operations against Vichy French forces in
Syria.
(Operation EXPORTER)
7th
Sailed from Alexandria with HM Destroyers
DECOY and HAVOCK as escort for
HM Cruiser LEANDER (RNZN) to relieve ships
of Force B
(Note: Force B ships provided naval
gunfire support to military advance,
carried out
patrols to intercept any Vichy warships
attempting to prevent these operations
or land troops.)
15th
During patrol to intercept Vichy destroyer
CASSARD carrying troops from Salonika
to reinforce Vichy garrison, came under
attacks by surfaced submarine which
failed.
Later came under dive bombing attack by
Ju88 aircraft which was repelled.
(Note: CASSARD had earlier been forced to
reverse course by RAF aircraft,)
Engaged Vichy destroyers
(Note: One source records HMS KIMBERLEY
was in company.)
16th
During deployment with HM Cruiser LEANDER
and HMS KIMBERLEY sighted
Vichy destroyers GUEPARD and VALMY
attempting to leave Beirut.
Engaged destroyers which returned to
harbour,
18th
Deployed with HM Destroyers DECOY, HOTSPUR
and HAVOCK for interception
patrol and gunfire support.
Carried out night bombardment south of
Damour.
Under submarine attack by submarine off Beirut which failed as torpedo
was running
too deep.
25th
Landing party prepared to go ashore at
Haifa to support military but operation
cancelled.
26th
Carried out further bombardment at Damour.
Under air attack on return passage to
Haifa despite air cover.
29th
Carried out further bombardment before
recall to rejoin Fleet at Alexandria.
30th
Returned to Alexandria.
July
Deployed for support of garrison at
Tobruk.
17th
Returned to Haifa with HM Cruisers AJAX,
LEANDER. HM Destroyers JAGUAR,
KINGSTON and KANDAHAR to resume EXPORTER
support.
18th
Escort convoy taking troops to Cyprus with
same ships.
(Note: 112 RAF ground staff were embarked
for passage.)
20th
Returned to Haifa
22nd
Sailed from Haifa with same ships to join
HM Battleships QUEEN ELIZABETH,
HMS VALIANT, HM Cruisers ABDIEL, CARLISLE,
HOBART, LATONA,
NAIAD, NEPTUNE, PHOEBE, HM Destroyers HASTY, HAVOCK, JACKAL,
KIMBERLEY, NIZAM and NUBIAN during an
offensive sweep in eastern
Mediterranean as a diversion during
passage of relief convoy to Malta from
Gibraltar
(Operation SUBSTANCE –See above
references.
24th
On return to Alexandria deployed for
escort of HMS FORMIDABLE from Alexandria
to Port Said.
(Note: HMS FORMIDABLE was on passage to
USA for repairs to her action damage.
26th
Deployed for escort of military convoys to
Cyprus from Haifa to reinforce garrison.
31st
Returned to Alexandria from Haifa
August
Nominated for support of Tobruk garrison
(Operation TREACLE)
1st
Deployed for anti-submarine operations off
Alexandria with HM Destroyers JACKAL,
KINGSTON and NIZAM.
Under air attacks during fruitless search
and on return passage.
5th
Took part in Fleet gunnery practice with
HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, HM Cruiser
NAIAD, HM Destroyers KINGSTON, JAGUAR and
NIZAM.
On completion carried out anti-submarine
operations.
6th
Under torpedo attack by Italian aircraft
during sweep.
Returned to Alexandria without successful
result.
7th
Present during night air raid and
sustained minor near miss damage.
8th
Commenced TREACLE deployment
Embarked stores
9th
Sailed to Tobruk with HMS KINGSTON and
army personnel
10th
Returned to Alexandria with embarked
wounded personnel.
19th
Deployed for further Tobruk support with
HM Destroyers KIMBERLEY and HASTY
(Note: Polish army personnel were embarked
for passage.)
20th
Return passage with wounded.
22nd
Deployed with HM Destroyers KIMBERLEY,
HASTY and HMS ABDIEL for
passage covered by HM Cruisers PHOEBE,
NAIAD and GALATEA
and aircraft support
(Note: Rear Admiral. Destroyers was
embarked.)
23rd
Return passage with 200 Australian troops
who had been relieved by Polish
personnel.)
25th
Further Tobruk deployment with same ships
each carrying Polish troops.
26th
Returned to Alexandria with wounded
27th
Deployed to assist return of damaged
cruiser HMS PHOEBE after being torpedoed
in attack by Italian aircraft
28th
Deployed alongside HM Depot Ships RESOURCE
at Alexandria during refit and leave.
September
Nominated for further Tobruk support
service (Operation SUPERCHARGE)
17th
Resumed Tobruk support with Polish
passengers
18th
Returned with wounded
20th
Passage to Tobruk with British troops of
Liverpool Territorial regiment.
21st
On return passage rescued 10 troops from Crete who had escaped in small
boat.
23rd
Passage to Tobruk with troops (Serial 9 of
SUPERCHARGE.)
(Note: HMS KIMBERLEY, HMS HASTY and HM
Minelayer LATONA also
deployed.)
25th
Deployed with screen for main Fleet heavy
units during diversionary operation to
distract enemy attention from passage of
Malta relief convoy from Gibraltar
(Operation HALBERD – see references.)
27th
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units.
October
Deployed with Flotilla for exercises
including anti-submarine procedures with
HM
submarine RORQUAL.
10th
Nominated for bombardment operation as
part of screen for Fleet units but this
was cancelled and ship returned to
Alexandria
11th
Deployed with HMS JAGUAR and JUPITER as
screen for HM Cruisers AJAX,
HOBART (RAN) and GALATEA as screen during
search for enemy contact
reported by submarine.
13th
Rejoined main Fleet units and detached
unsuccessful for shipping search/
Under air attacks with Fleet units after
rejoining. which were repelled.
14th
Returned to Alexandria with Fleet units
22nd
Deployed with screen for Fleet units
during bombardment of positions near
Sollum.
25th
Carried out Flotilla exercises off Alexandria.
November
2nd
Deployed with ten other destroyers and HM
Minelayer ABDIEL for transfer of troops
and took passage to Haifa take troops of
Indian Army and British units to Cyprus
from
Haifa to Famagusta,, Cyprus to relieve British
troops of 50th Division for service in
Palestine.
(Operation GLENCOE – For details see Naval
Staff History. Destroyers each embarked
250 troops and 7 tons of equipment and
stores,)
8th
On completion took passage to Alexandria
with the other GLENCOE ships.
9th
Returned to Alexandria.
10th
Maintenance period alongside HM Depot Ship
WOOLWICH during which two additional
20mm Oerlikon mountings were installed to
improve defence against close range air
attacks.
18th
Sailed with Fleet units to carry out
bombardment at Sollum in support of
military advance
towards Tobruk (Army Operation CRUSADER)
19th
Operation cancelled due to weather
conditions
During manoeuvring to reverse course
avoided collision with HM Cruiser GALATEA
Resumed Maintenance period during which
gun linings of main armament were
replaced.
24th
Sailed from Alexandria as screen for HMS
QUEEN ELIZABETH, HMS BARHAM and
HMS VALIANT with HM Destroyers DECOY,
GRIFFIN, HOTSPUR, NIZAM (RAN),
JACKAL and two Mediterranean Fleet
destroyers
(Note: Gun re-lining work was incomplete
and only two 4.7in mountings were
available.
This deployment was intended to provide
cover for the earlier deployment of Force
C
HM Cruisers AJAX, EURYALUS, GALATEA and
NAIAD to search for two convoys
reported on passage to Benghazi and also
to be available for naval gunfire support
for
the British military advance in the
Western Desert (Operation CHIEFTAIN).
25th
Present with screen when HM Battleship
BARHAM was sunk by U331.
Carried out anti-submarine operations with
HMS JACKAL after sinking BARHAM and
rescued one survivor.
(Note: 862 of the ship’s company of over
1300 from HMS BARHAM.)
27th
Returned with HMS JACKAL after
unsuccessful search and resumed
replacement of remaining
gun lining
30th
Sailed with HM Destroyers JACKAL, JAGUAR
and KIPLING to intercept three Italian
destroyers reported near Derna carrying
fuel supplies.
December
1st
On arrival found ships had left and took
return passage to Alexandria.
Came under torpedo attacks by aircraft
during which HMS JACKAL was hit and badly
damaged.
After HMS JACKAL resumed passage resumed
steering using main engines overtook a
coastal convoy which was repelled.
Discharge one of forward gun mounting
barrels to clear fuzed shell which hit HMS
JAGUAR causing death of the captain and
one rating.
2nd
Arrived in Alexandria with HMS JAGUAR and
HMS KIPLING after burial at sea of the
two casualties.
4th
Deployed for further interception patrol
off Derna.
5th
Rescued survivors from HM Boarding Vessel
CHAKDINA which had been sunk by U81.
(Note: This ship had been carrying
prisoners of war and wounded.
200 were picked up by ships of Flotilla
including a German general.)
8th
Deployed for bombardment of shore targets
in support of military operations.
10th
Carried out further bombardment operation.
15th
Part of screen for HM Cruisers CARLISLE,
EURYALUS and NAIAD with HM
Destroyers DECOY, HASTY, HAVOCK,
KIMBERLEY, KIPLING and NIZAM as
Force C for escort of HMS BRECONSHIRE to
Malta from Alexandria (Operation MF1)
16th
Force C remained with convoy after escort
joined by ships of Force K from Malta.
(Note: This was required because of threat
of an attack by Italian heavy warships
known to be escorting supply convoy in the
area.)
18th
During return passage to Alexandria
carried out depth charge attacks on
submarine sighted
on the surface and which had immediately
submerged.
(Note: Although probable kill was credited
to the ship this submarine has never been
identified either as enemy or allied.
19th
Arrived at Alexandria and secured
alongside tanker SAGONA to replenish fuel.
Sustained serious damage forward when
explosive device placed under stern of the
tanker
by Italian frogmen detonated early in the
morning.
(Note: Italian frogmen entered Alexandria
harbour from submarine SCIRE and followed
ships of 15th Cruiser Squadron through the
opened defensive boom. Charges were
also placed below the waterline of HMS
QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS
VALIANT which were both seriously damaged
when they detonated.
21st
Taken in hand for repair in Garribaldi Dry
Dock
1 9 4 2
January
Under repair Gabbari Dock in Alexandria.
27th
Undocked and prepared to resume
operational service
(Note: One source records delays in
completion of work satisfactorily by
civilian labour
were dealt with by forcible retention of
workmen on board.)
February
3rd
Sailed with other destroyers to carry out
anti-submarine operations off Alexandria.
12th
Nominated for deployment with HM Cruisers
DIDO, EURYALUS and NAIAD
as screen with HM Destroyers ARROW, GRIFFIN,
HASTY, HAVOCK. JAGUAR,
KELVIN and KIPLING in Force as escort for
Convoys MW9 to Malta and ME10 to
Egypt. (Operation MF5)
13th
Sailed from Alexandria with Force B
reinforce escort for merged convoys MW9A
and MW9B.
14th
Under air attacks. Met return convoy ME10
and took passage to Alexandria as escort.
(Note: Sole surviving ship of MW9, ss
ROWALLAN CASTLE was badly damaged. Tow by
HMS
ZULU had to be abandoned and mercantile
was sunk by HMS LIVELY.
See above references for details.)
ME10 under unsuccessful attack torpedo
attack by Italian submarine during
eastward passage.
16th
Arrived at Port Said and detached from
ME10.
(Note: Operation MF5 was a failure as no
supply ships arrived in Malta.)
17th
Escorted troopship PRINCESS MARGUERIT for
passage to Famagusta.
20th
Returned to Alexandria.
(Note: Destroyers of Mediterranean Fleet
reorganised. Ship remained in 14th
Flotilla with
HM Destroyers KELVIN, KIPLING, KINGSTON
(under repair in Malta),
JAGUAR, JACKAL and KIMBERLEY.)
23rd
Carried out exercises off Alexandria with
HMS KIPLING and Greek submarine TRITON
25th
Deployed with Greek Destroyer QUEEN OLGA
for supply of stores to Tobruk.
March
2nd
Resumed Fleet duties after second trip to
Tobruk with HM Destroyer ZULU
9th
Deployed with HM Destroyers HASTY, HERO,
KELVIN, KIPLING, LIVELY, SIKH
and ZULU for screening of HM Cruisers
DIDO, EURYALUS and NAIAD as Force B during
search for
Italian cruiser damaged by torpedo.
Under air attacks without damage.
10th
Met by HM Cruiser CLEOPATRA and HM
Destroyer KINGSTON rejoined Fleet from
Malta.
11th
Took part in rescue of ships company of
HMS NAIAD after this ship had been hit by
a torpedo off
Mersa Matru and later sank.
(Note: Admiral Vian was among the 533
rescued from his flagship.
15th
At Alexandria.
(Note: Captain Philip Mack who had been
serving in the ship since commissioning
left and was
relieved by Captain AL Poland.)
20th
Joined HM Destroyers KELVIN, KINGSTON,
KIPLING as screen for HM Cruisers DIDO
CLEOPATRA and EURYALUS for escort of
Convoy MW10 to Malta as Force B. (Operation MG1).
(Note: MW10 comprised HMS BRECONSHIRE, ss
CLAN CAMPBELL, ss
PAMPAS and
ss TALABOT with an additional close
escort.)
21st
Joined MW10 with cruiser Force in view of
possible threat of attack by a major force
of Italian
warships.
22nd
HM Cruiser PENELOPE and HM Destroyer
LEGION joined escort from Malta.
Took part in outstanding tactical defence
operation during which MW10 was detached
with HM
Cruiser CARLISLE and HUNT Class destroyers of Close Escort.
Positioned between MW10 and Italian ships
and came under fire.
(Note: Italian ships failed to take
advantage of their superiority and
eventually retreated because of
torpedo attacks made by British
destroyers. Some British ships had radar
for fire control.
Second Battle of Sirte. See above
references and MEDITERRANEAN MAELSTROM by
GC Connell.
Italian ships included battleship
LITTORIO, cruisers BANDE NERE, TRENTO and
GORIZIA with
a screen of ten destroyers.
(Note: MW10 later came under heavy air
attacks during passage to Malta and in
harbour after
arrival of the 29,500 tons of cargo
loaded only 4,952 were discharged.)
24th
Returned to Alexandria with Force B ships.
Escorted HM Battleship VALIANT to Port
Said for first stage of passage to USA for
repair.
April
Deployed in eastern Mediterranean with
Flotilla for Flotilla exercises.
23rd
Carried out transport of military
personnel and stores to Cyprus and later
embarked potatoes
for transport to Alexandria.
May
10th
Deployed with HMS JACKAL, HMS KIPLING and
HMS LIVELY to search for supply convoy
reported on passage to Benghazi. RAF air
cover for this operation was inadequate.
(Operation MG2)
11th
Under heavy dive bombing attacks during
which HMS LIVELY was sunk.
Some hours latter the attacks were
resumed and HMS JACKAL was badly damaged
north
of Mersa Matru.
Despite extensive fires on board took
the damaged ship in tow.
HMS KIPLING was sunk in these attacks.
12th
Abandoned tow when fires could not be
controlled and sank HMS JACKAL by torpedo.
Took return passage to Alexandria with 650
survivors saved from these destroyers.
June
Nominated for service in joint operation
with Force H at Gibraltar to pass relief
convoys to
Malta from east a west (Operation JULIUS).
(Note: Operation HARPOON was to be passed
from Gibraltar and Operation VIGOROUS from
Alexandria.)
12th
Joined HM Cruisers ARETHUSA, BIRMINGHAM,
CLEOPATRA, DIDO, EURYALUS,
HERMIONE and NEWCASTLE as screen with HM
Destroyers HASTY, HERO, INCONSTANT,
JAVELIN, KELVIN, NAPIER (RAN), NESTOR
(RAN), NIZAM (RAN), NORMAN (RAN),
PAKENHAM, PALADIN, SIKH and ZULU for
escort of Convoy MW11 during passage to
Malta.
(Operation VIGOROUS).
(Note: The operation comprised three
elements:
MW11C – A diversionary convoy of four
mercantiles sailed from
Alexandria on 11th to tempt
intervention by Italian Fleet before
passage of main convoy escorted by HM
Cruiser
COVENTRY and eight HUNT Class Escort
Destroyers. The mercantiles each towed an
MTB.
See MALTA CONVOYS by R Woodman. (Operation
REMBRANDT).
MW11B - Made up of two tankers escorted by
HMS CENTURION, two Rescue Ships sailed
Alexandria with Close Escort by HM
Destroyers ,FORTUNE, KELVIN, PAKENHAM and
PALADIN, HM Corvettes DELPHINIUM, ERICA,
PRIMULA and SNAPDRAGON to
assemble and meet main escort off Egypt.
MW11A - Convoy from Haifa comprising 5
Supply ships with Close Escort by HM
Destroyers HOTSPUR, TETCOTT, HM
Minesweepers BOSTON and SEAHAM.
13th
Sailed from Alexandria as screen for Fleet
units during passage to provide reinforced
escort after
convoys MW11A and MW11B merged for onward
passage to Malta.
Under air attacks whilst in transit to
join merged convoy.
14th
Joined merged convoy as deployed with
re-arranged escort.
(Note: Escort now included HUNT Class
destroyers which had joined convoy after
detaching from
MW11C.)
Under sustained and heavy air attacks
during which ss BHUTAN was sunk and ss POTARO
damaged.
Torpedo attack by U77 driven off by HMS
PAKENHAM.
15th
Air attacks in continuation.
Threat of attack by superior Italian force
anticipated and convoy ordered to reverse
course by CinC
in Alexandria.
Required changes to convoy caused
confusion and ships became sitting target
for E-Boats waiting to
attack convoy and escort.
(Note: HMS HASTY was sunk and HMS
NEWCASTLE was damaged.)
MW11 then ordered to resume the westward
passage.
(Note: This was not done because extent of
air attacks had depleted stocks of AA
ammunition
enough to prejudice protection during
further passage towards Malta.
Instructions were then given to abandon
the operation and return to Alexandria.
During aerial onslaught after MW11 took
passage to Egypt HM Ships ARETHUSA,
BIRMINGHAM and CENTURION were hit but able
to continue passage.
HMS NESTOR and HMS AIREDALE had to sunk by
own forces after being disabled.
16th
HMS HERMIONE sunk by torpedo from U 205
during return passage.
Arrived as Alexandria with Fleet units.,
Deployed as escort for convoys to Lebanon
taking non-essential personnel when German
advance
threatened Alexandria.
28th
Deployed with Flotilla for escort of HM
Battleship QUEEN ELIZABETH during passage
from
Alexandria to enter Suez Canal at Port Said for
repair in USA.
July
Escort with Flotilla continued for
transfer of vital support ships to
Port Said.
(Note: These included HM Depot Ships
WOOLWICH and HM Repair Ship RESOURCE and
were
being moved away from Alexandria because
of the threatened advance of the German
Army.)
15th
Took part in bombardment of shore targets
at Mersa Matru with HM Cruisers DIDO;
EURYALUS and ships of Flotilla.
26th
Taken in hand for docking and essential
maintenance at Port Tewfik
August
3rd
Resumed Flotilla duties at Alexandria.
Sailed for Beirut with HM Cruiser
COVENTRY.
6th
Return passage to Port Said.
10th
Deployed with HM Cruisers ARETHUSA,
EURYALUS HM Destroyers KELVIN, PAKENHAM,
PALADIN, ALDENHAM, BEAUFORT, DULVERTON,
ERIDGE, HURSLEY, HURWORTH, HM
Corvette HYACINTH and HM Auxiliary ANTWERP
for special operation. (Operation MG3)
(Note: This was timed to distract enemy
attention from passage of Malta Relief
Convoy from
Gibraltar (Operation PEDESTAL)
11th
Met HMS DIDO and HMS CLEOPATRA with three
supply ships escorted by HM Destroyers
JAVELIN, SIKH and ZULU
13th
Returned to Port Said after cruise to
westward.
16th
Deployed with HMS HERO for escort of troop
ship ss MARGUERITE from Port Said to
Cyprus
17th
Took part with HMS HERO in rescue of
survivors from ss PRINCESS MARGUERITE
which was
torpedoed and sunk by U83. See HITLER'S
U-BOAT WAR by C Blair.
Carried out anti-submarine attacks which
damaged U83 needing extensive repair.
29th
Escorted HM Destroyer ERIDGE into Alexandria after damage by E
Boat on 28th.
September
Eastern Mediterranean deployment at
Alexandria with Flotilla in continuation.
13th
Took part in bombardment of Mersa Matru.
(Note: This was a diversionary movement
during the disastrous Operation AGREEMENT
to
carry out frontal attack with landings at
Tobruk. For full details see Naval Staff
History
and MASSACRE AT TOBRUK by P Smith.)
Deployed with Flotilla at Malta for
interception patrol.
Nominated for long outstanding refit.
October
4th
Taken in hand for Boiler clean and self
refit at Alexandria.
(Note: Type 285 fire-control radar was
fitted by ships staff during this period.
Ship also carried out training for
provision of armed partied to board French
ships at
Alexandria in the event of any
repercussion from planned operations to
occupy the
rest of Madagascar.)
November
8th
Refit completed and carried out harbour
and sea trials prior to resuming
operational service.
12th
Resumed Flotilla duties
17th
Deployed with ships of Flotilla as screen
for HM Cruisers CLEOPATRA, ARETHUSA, DIDO,
EURYALUS and ORION as escort for Convoy
MW13 during passage to Malta.
(Operation STONE AGE – First Malta convoy from Egypt
since siege lifted. See above references
and THE CROSS AND THE ENSIGN by P Elliot.)
18th
Joined convoy and Close Escort of HUNT
Class destroyers on passage
HMS ARETHUSA torpedoed in air attacks and
returned to Alexandria under tow by HMS
PETARD.
Deployed with HM Destroyer JAVELIN to
escort HMS ARETHUSA under tow by HM
Destroyer
PETARD
Returned to Fleet units with HMS JAVELIN
when tow satisfactorily established.
19th
Detached from MW13 with Fleet destroyers
and took return passage as screen for HMS
CLEOPATRA, DIDO and ORION.)
21st
Arrived at Alexandria with Fleet units
after passage in extreme weather
conditions that caused
flooding
(Note: Other ships were also seriously
affected with loss of life when men swept
overboard and some
structural damage.)
24th
Nominated for service in Malta with new Force K and took passage from
Alexandria.
(Note: Force K formed a new striking force
to intercept enemy supply convoys.
Ships of Force K were HM Cruisers,
CLEOPATRA, DIDO and EURYALUS,
HM Destroyers JAVELIN, JERVIS, KELVIN and
NUBIAN.)
25th
Passage to Malta with ships of Flotilla
and cruisers of 15th Squadron.
27th
Arrived in Malta for service as part of
Force K
December
3rd
Deployed with HM Destroyers JAVELIN,
NUBIAN and KELVIN for interception of
convoy sighted
by aircraft on passage.
4th
Carried out surface attack on remnants of
convoy in Gulf of Gabes
(Note: This convoy had previously been
under air attacks by RAF in Malta.
Sank Italian torpedo boat LUPO which had
been carrying out rescue work.
This attack was considered particularly
distasteful by the Italian Navy and
described as a
war crime.
LUPO has been well known by many who had
served in the Mediterranean as an
adversary
in other actions against convoys.)
Sailed from Malta with HM Cruisers
CLEOPATRA, DIDO and EURYALUS, HM
Destroyers
KELVIN, JAVELIN and NUBIAN to escort
Convoy MW14 from position SW of Crete into
Malta.
(Operation PORTCULLIS. See references)
5th
Returned to Malta with MW14 and escort.
9th
Carried out unsuccessful interception
operation with HM Destroyers KELVIN and
NUBIAN in
Gulf of Gabes.
20th
Deployed with HMS NUBIAN to intercept
single mercantile sighted by aircraft.
Sank Italian mercantile DORA off Djarba.
24th
Deployed for Flotilla exercises off
Malta.
26th
Docked for routine inspection and Boiler
Clean.
1 9 4 3
January
Force K deployment in continuation
5th
Carried out unsuccessful interception
patrol
7th
Captain AF Poland relieved by Captain AF
Pugsley as commanding officer and SO of
Flotilla.
8th
Deployed with HM Destroyers JAVELIN and
NUBIAN for patrol and sank three schooners
off
Kuriat.
10th
Provided escort for MW19 convoy on final
stage of passage into Malta from
Alexandria with HMS
EURYALUS, HMS KELVIN and HMS NUBIAN.
11th
Encountered heavy weather conditions
during which a midshipman was caught on
upper deck
amidships and later his body was found
under the torpedoes.
(Note: It is presumed he was struck by an
incoming heavy sea and thrown unconscious
against the
mounting. From Don Kindell - Midshipman
Moberley suffered head injuries, but he
did survive.)
21st
Sank two small steamer off Sfax during
patrol with HMS NUBIAN.
22nd
Carried out bombardment with HMS
CLEOPATRA, HMS EURYALUS, HMS JAVELIN, HMS
NUBIAN and HMS KELVIN of enemy troops
retreating from position near Zuara,
Tunisia.
25th
Deployed with HM Cruiser ORION, HMS KELVIN
and HM Destroyer TETCOTT to meet incoming
convoy from Alexandria.
Detached to escort tanker into Malta
27th
Deployed with HM Cruiser CLEOPATRA and HM
Destroyer KELVIN to escort convoy from
Alexandria to Tripoli.
Detached on arrival and took passage to
resume Fleet duties at
Alexandria.
30th
Involved in collision due to weather
conditions whilst berthing alongside
tanker in Alexandria.
February
6th
Deployed with HM Destroyers KELVIN,
JAVELIN and three HUNT Class Greek manned
destroyers
as escort for troop convoy to Malta.
11th
Arrived in Malta having been joined by HM
Cruiser EURYALUS, HM Destroyers NUBIAN and
PALADIN.
(Note: Passage was delayed by weather.)
13th
Escorted east bound convoy from Malta.
14th
Rescued pilot from BEAUFIGHTER aircraft
providing air cover which had crashed
during low flying
over rough seas.
(Note: Sadly the pilot died on board and
was buried at sea.)
15th
Detached from convoy and took passage to
Tripoli.
16th
Joined HM Destroyers KELVIN, PALADIN and
Greek QUEEN OLGA for escort of convoy from
Tripoli during passage to Alexandria.
17th
U205 forced to surface by depth charge
attacks by HMS PALADIN and South African
manned
BISLEY aircraft
Surfaced submarine engaged by surface fire
from both ships and crew abandoned the
boat.
(Note: U205 was boarded by HMS PALADIN and
tow established but submarine sank
before it could be beached.
Sinking of submarine was credited to HMS
PALADIN and BISLEY aircraft. See U-BOATS
DESTROYED by P Kemp.)
21st
Boiler clean at Alexandria.
March
6th
Deployed with HM Destroyers NUBIAN, PETARD
and ISIS for escort of troopship
convoy taking
Eighth Army reinforcements to Tripoli.
10th
At Tripoli after unscathed passage.
Coastal convoy escort for convoys in
continuation.
(Note: Exercises with also carried out.)
April
Deployed for convoy defence in eastern
Mediterranean
16th
At Tripoli
19th
Deployed for anti-submarine operations
after attack on convoy off Tobruk.
21st
Returned to Malta after unsuccessful
search.
May
8th
Bombarded Kelibia with HMS NUBIAN and
PALADIN in support of military.
9th
Carried out further bombardment at
Kelibia.
10th
Repeated Kelibia bombardment with ships of
Flotilla
12th
Intercepted another evacuation attempt and
captured 96 troops.
Bombarded positions in Pantellaria with HM
Cruiser ORION, HM Destroyers KELVIN.
JAVELIN and PALADIN
15th
Landed prisoners in Malta.
19th
During interception patrol with HMS NUBIAN
and HMS PETARD intercepted ship claiming
to be a Hospital ship in position 30 miles
north of Pantelleria.
Put a Boarding Party on board
On arrival in St Paul's Bay, Malta this ship was found
to have German military personnel on
board.
June
2nd
Deployed with Greek destroyer VASILISSA
OLGA and sank Italian torpedo boat CASTORE
and
two mercantiles being escorted off Cape Spartivento on passage from
Taranto to Messina.
8th
Took part in bombardment of Pantellaria
prior to British landings.
10th
Deployed with HM Destroyers LAFOREY,
LOOKOUT, LOYAL, TARTAR, NUBIAN,
TROUBRIDGE and WHADDON as screen for HM
Cruisers NEWFOUNDLAND, ORION,
PENELOPE and EURYALUS to provide cover
during British landings on Pantellaria.
(Operation CORKSCREW).
11th
Carried out bombardment of Lampedusa with
HMS NUBIAN.
20th
Escorted HM Cruiser AURORA with HM
Destroyers LOOKOUT, NUBIAN and ESKIMO
during
Royal visit to Malta by HM King George VI
On completion of visit sailed for Tripoli
as escort for HMS AURORA with same ships.
21st
Detached on arrival in Tripoli and took
passage to Malta.
Docked for Boiler Clean and routine
maintenance
(Note: Captain Pugsley relieved by Captain
JS Crawford.)
July
2nd
Sailed from Malta with HM Destroyers
PETARD, PENN, PALADIN,PATHER and PATHFINDER
to join ships assembling for planned
allied assault on Sicily.
10th
Deployed with HM Destroyers PANTHER,
PATHFINDER, PALADIN, PENN and PETARD as
screen for HM Battleships KING GEORGE V
and HOWE, HM Cruisers DIDO and SIRIUS as
part
of Reserve Group in area south of Sicily
during allied landings
(Operation HUSKY: For details see Naval
Staff History and ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE
CLOSELY)
(Note: Reserve Group which also included
HM Battleships WARSPITE, NELSON and RODNEY
with our cruisers and destroyer screen on
Station in Ionian Sea to prevent any
interference to
landing by Italian warships.)
be made on west coast of Sicily.
Bombarded Levanzo Island and Trapani.
Deployed from Bone (Operation FRACTURE.)
18th
Bombarded Catania.
22nd
Refuelled in Malta
23rd
Deployed for patrol between Algiers and
Bizerta.
30th
Arrived at Bone for planned operation.
31st
Took part in bombardment of Vibo Valentia
with HM Cruisers EURYALUS, DIDO and SIRIUS
with other screening destroyers.
August
1st
Under air attack on return passage which
was repelled by ships AA fire.
2nd
Refuelled and replenished ammunition at
Bone.
Sailed for Bizerta
6th
Under air attack whilst in harbour at
Bizerta.
9th
Sailed from Bizerta with HM Destroyers
PANTHER, PATHFINDER and PALADIN as screen
for
HM Cruisers AURORA, PENELOPE, SIRIUS and
DIDO during passage for bombardment of
positions
on west coast of Italy
10th
Carried out bombardment of Castellamere
with HMS AURORA, HMS PENELOPE and HMS
PALADIN.
12th
Replenished and refuelled at Bizerta and
sailed for Palerma with mail.
16th
Sailed from Bizerta with HMS EURYALUS, HM
Cruiser AURORA and
17th
Carried out bombardment of Vibo Valentia
with HMS PALADIN on return passage to
Bizerta.
18th
At Bizerta to replenish and refuel.
19th
Passage with HMS AURORA, HMS PENELOPE and
HMS PALADIN to carry out bombardment
at Scalea.
21st
Sailed for Palermo
27th
Carried out Boiler Clean at Ferryville,
near Bizerta.
September
2nd
Resumed Flotilla duties and sailed with
four others of Flotilla as escort for
military convoy taking
reinforcement troops to Eighth Army
3rd
Detached from convoy on relief by escort
from Malta and took passage to Algiers.
Carried out unsuccessful search for
submarine after firm contact.
September
5th
Sailed with ships of Flotilla for
bombardment of railway line south of
Taranto
6th
Returned to Algiers
7th
Passage to Malta as screen for HM
Battleships KING GEORGE V and HOWE to
support planned
occupation of port of Taranto (Operation
SLAPSTICK)
8th
Entered Malta to refuel and took passage
to Taranto
9th
Deployed for support during occupation and
shifted berth to allow HM Minelayer ABDIEL
to use that
position in order to land troops of 1st
Airborne Division.
10th
Assisted in rescue operations when HMS
ABDIEL was sunk by detonation of a
magnetic mine.
11th
Passage to Malta with wounded survivors
from HMS ABDIEL.
12th
At Malta.
14th
Sailed with HM Destroyers PENN,
PATHFINDER, PETARD and ILEX as screen for
HM Battleships
WARSPITE and VALIANT.
Diverted on passage to proceed to Salerno
for support of landings in progress
(Operation AVALANCHE)
15th
Arrived at Salerno beach head.
Under sustained air attacks
16th
During continued air attacks including use
of glider bombs HMS WARSPITE was hit and
sustained
major damage disabling the ship.
17th
Deployed with others hips of Flotilla as
escort for HMS WARSPITE steaming under her
own power.
18th
HMS WARSPITE taken in tow by US Navy tugs.
Detached from escort of HMS WARSPITE and
joined HM Aircraft Carriers ILLUSTRIOUS
and
FORMIDABLE as escort for passage to
Gibraltar
Recalled and took passage to Malta for
service in Adriatic in support of military operations and for
convoy defence.
24th
Arrived in Malta to prepare for new
deployment.
September
28th
Passage to Adriatic with HMS PETARD.
29th
Carried out anti-submarine patrol.
30th
Arrived at Brindisi.
October
6th
Carried out bombardment of Termoli,
eastern Italy.
Transferred for support of British
military operations to occupy Aegean
islands following the
capitulation of Italy.
(Note: Garrison comprised mainly Italian
personnel.)
Passage to Alexandria for service in
Levant Command.
16th
Sailed from Alexandria as part of screen
for HM Cruiser AURORA with HM Destroyers
PENN,
HURSLEY, and Greek destroyer MIAOULIS
during passage to Leros with army
personnel and stores.
17th
Landed stores and personnel.
Sailed to rejoin HMS AURORA and on passage
carried out bombardment o of airfield on
Kos.
Engaged craft wearing German ensign
encountered during passage to position
south of Scarpanto
to meet HMS AURORA.
18th
Returned to Alexandria with HMS AURORA and
screen.
22nd
Embarked stores and personnel in Alexandria.
Sailed for Leros with HM Destroyers
PATHFINDER, HURSLEY and Greek destroyer
ADRIAS.
On arrival landing of stores including
transport was delayed by air activity.
Disembarked stores into lighters in Alinda Bay.
. 23rd
Returned to Alexandria with HMS PATHFINDER.
Taken in hand for short refit at
Alexandria
(Note: 4in AA gun was fitted in place of
forward torpedo tubes.
November
14th
Resumed operational service on completion
of refit work
16th
Captain Crawford relieved by Captain HP
Henderson.
Nominated for support operation to replace
army personnel from island of Castelloriso by
detachment of commandos.
(Note: Island was to be used for
refuelling of MTBs and the new arrivals
were to take steps to
suggest island was being populated by a
non-belligerent group.)
26th
Sailed from Alexandria with HM Destroyers
PENN and PATHFINDER for operation.
28th
Disembarked personnel at Castelloriso.
December
Return passage to Alexandria.
3rd
Escorted damaged Greek destroyer ADRIAS
under tow by HM Tug BRIGAND during passage
from Casteloriso to Limassol, Cyprus.
(Note: ADRIAS had been damaged by a mine
during evacuation operations at Leros on
23rd
and subsequently under temporary repair by
ship’s staff at Gumsluk in Turkish waters
to
enable return to Alexandria.)
4th
Escorted ADRIAS with HMS PENN.
(Note: ADRIAS was on passage under own
power from Limassol )
5th
Took passage to Alexandria on relief by HM
Destroyers EXMOOR and ALDENHAM.
(Note: For details of Aegean operations
see WAR IN THE AEGEAN by P Smith and E
Walker)
9th
Deployed as escort for HM Cruiser PENELOPE
during initial stage of passage from
Alexandria to
(Note: One source records that Prime
Minister was embarked for passage after
conferences at Cairo
and in Teheran. This is to be confirmed.
10th
Detached and arrived in Malta.
12th
Passage to Algiers to provide escort for
troop convoy.
20th
Passage to Port Said with convoy taking
troops to India.
22nd
Arrived at Alexandria.
28th
Passage to Brindisi with HMS JANUS.
31st
Arrived at Brindisi to resume service in
Adriatic.
1 9 4 4
January
3rd
Deployed for bombardments in Adriatic with
HMS JANUS in support of military advance
4th
Carried out bombardment of Pessaro with
HMS JANUS.
6th
Carried out bombardments at Ancona and
Civitanova.
7th
Diverted to Naples on completion
10th
Arrived in Naples and replenished
ammunition.
(Note: Intended replenishment at Bari was
not possible because of weather
conditions.)
Replenishment in Naples restricted by
diversion to Malta.
12th
In Malta.
14th
Nominated for support of planned landings
at Anzio and returned to Naples as screen
for HM
Cruiser ORION
16th
Machinery defects repaired at Castellamere
18th
Deployed with HM Cruiser ORION, HM
Destroyers JANUS, FAULKNOR and LAFOREY and
carried out bombardment at Gaeta in
support of crossing of river Garigliano by
British X Corps.
21st
Joined HM Cruisers ORION and SPARTAN, HM
Destroyers JANUS, LAFOREY, LOYAL,
INGLEFIELD, TENACIOUS, URCHIN, KEMPENFELT,
BEAUFORT, BRECON, WILTON
and TETCOTT in North Attack Force (Peter).
Operation SHINGLE.
22nd
Provided naval gunfire support during
landings at Anzio
23rd
Carried out further support bombardment
and under some return fire from shore
without damage.
Under air attack during patrol of beach
head to provide defence against E-Boat
attack.
.
Hit on bow structure by Hs293 radio
controlled which demolished forward
structure and distorted
other parts of hull.
24th
Arrived at Naples under own power for
temporary repair.
(Note: Owing to damage sustained Captain
(D) for Flotilla transferred to HMS
GRENVILLE and
the ship became a Private ship. Lieutenant
Commander Roger Hill took over command
and Captain Henderson transferred with his
Flotilla Staff Officers to HMS GRENVILLE.)
25th
Captain (D) transferred to HMS GRENVILLE.
30th
Sailed from Naples with HM Minesweeper
CADMUS and took passage to Bizerta.
February
Took passage to Gibraltar from Bizerta as part of convoy.
5th
Taken in hand by HM Dockyard, Gibraltar
for completion of repairs
March
Under repair during which a new bow
structure was fitted.
(Note: Officers and some of ship's company
were accommodated in HMS WARSPITE.)
Some long serving members left ship.)
Apri1
17th
On completion of post repair trials at Gibraltar took passage to
Plymouth.
24th
After rough passage arrived at Plymouth
Passage to Scapa Flow to join Home Fleet.
May
Nominated for support of planned allied
landings in Normandy (Operation NEPTUNE).
Deployed with HM Destroyers FAULKNOR, FURY
and ISIS as 8th Destroyer Flotilla and
allocated for service in Force G.
3rd
Sailed from Scapa Flow to Rosyth for
Boiler Clean.
On completion resume Home Fleet service
and took part in preparatory exercises for
NEPTUNE
including bombardments
Present at Scapa Flow during visit by HM King GEORGE VI to Home Fleet.
23rd
Passage to Solent to join Force G
(Note: For details of naval activities
prior to and during landings see LANDINGS
IN
NORMANDY June 1944 and OPERATION NEPTUNE by K Edwards.
Took part in preparatory exercises in
Channel for for NEPTUNE.
June
Deployed in Solent with Force G for final
preparations and briefing.
4th
Operation delayed 24 hours.
5th
Sailed from Solent to Beachhead Swept
Channel as escort for Convoy G9 with HM
Destroyers
URANIA and ULYSEES of Force G.
(Note: Convoy comprised HMS BULOLO (HQ
Ship Force G.) Four Landings Ships
(Infantry),
HM Frigate NITH l (Assault HQ Ship, Group
G1), two Landing Craft (Infantry), three
Motor Launches, Steam Yacht DIANA (Purpose
not identified) and three other
auxiliaries.)
6th
Detached on arrival and assumed support
role off GOLD Beach
Provided naval support bombardment with
ships of Force G.
(Note: Naval Gunfire Support for GOLD
Beach was provided by Bombardment
Force K which also included HM Cruisers
ORION, AJAX, ARGONAUT, EMERALD and
Dutch Monitor FLORES.
7th
Deployed for support and patrol duties in
Eastern Task Force area.
to
(Note: Patrols were established to prevent
incursions into area by submarines,
17th
submersibles and E-Boats for minelaying
and direct attacks on shipping. See
references.)
18th
Sustained damage in collision with
mercantile during extreme weather
condition.
Bow structure was again seriously damaged
with part of forward upperworks.
Resumed operational duties in Channel
after repair
July
28th
Boiler Clean and maintenance
August
11th
Resumed operational service
12th
Deployed as screen for HM Battleship
RODNEY with HM Destroyer FAULKNOR during
bombardment of gun batteries on Alderney.
13th
Refuelled from tanker in Cherbourg.
14th
Deployed for interception patrol off Brest peninsular and in Channel
islands area.
17th
Escaped damage or casualties when near
missed by return fire from Alderney shore batteries.
24th
Deployed with HM Destroyers GRENVILLE,
FAULKNOR and SAUMAREZ for naval support
of military operations on Brest
peninsular.
September
3rd
On passage to carry out patrol north of Alderney nominated for long refit
to Belfast for long refit.
5th
Passage to Solent.
7th
Sailed for Belfast.
8th
Arrived at Belfast to Pay-off.
Taken in hand for extensive refit and
modernisation
October
Under refit.
to
December
1 9 4 5
January
Under refit
to
April
Nominated for service with British Pacific
Fleet.
(Note: Changes made included fit of
Lattice design foremast, fit of new design
radar outfits Type
293 and Type 291 with interrogation (IFF) facilities and with Fire control radar Type 285
modified to latest standard. For details
of development and use of radar by RN see
RADAR AT SEA by D Howse.)
May
Carried out post refit harbour trials
New ships company joined
Re-commissioned for service in 14th
Destroyer Flotilla.
Commanding Officer: Commander G Ransome
5th
Completion of shipyard work.
Carried out post refit trials and work-up
in Belfast area.
June
3rd
Passage to Mediterranean to join Flotilla
and continue work-up for operational
service in Pacific.
During passage to Gibraltar diverted to collect U-Boat prisoners from
Lisbon.
(Note: This may have been crew of U1227
which scuttled off Portugal and were
rescued by Portuguese
destroyer DAO. To be confirmed.)
6th
Arrived at Gibraltar.
9th
Joined Flotilla in Malta and deployed for
Flotilla duties based in Malta.
(Note: Commander Ransome relieved by
Commander DH Makgill Crichton.
July
Deployed in Flotilla for Work-up exercises
in Mediterranean
13th
Arrived at Haifa
August
Mediterranean deployment in continuation
with Flotilla.
15th
Far East deployment cancelled and retained in Mediterranean Fleet with Flotilla.
P o s
t W a r N o t e.
HMS
JERVIS was deployed in Destroyer Command
of the Mediterranean Fleet after VJ
Day. She took part in Fleet
and Flotilla exercises and visits but main
duties of Flotilla were for
Palestine Patrol. These were maintained
for the
interception of ships carrying illegal
immigrants to ports in Palestine. On
25th May 1946 she sailed from
Haifa to Malta before return to UK on 30th
June. The ship Paid-off in Chatham
before being reduced to
Reserve status.
The ship was laid-up in the Gareloch where
she was used for training of local
Sea Cadet Units. Placed on the Disposal
List in October 1947 she as used for Ship
Target Trials in Loch Striven during
1948. The ship was sold to BISCO for
demolition by Arnott Young on January 1949
and arrived in tow at the breakers’ yard
in Troon, Ayrshire and
arrived in tow at Port Ballantyne,
Rothesay the following September to be
broken
up by WH Arnott Young later
that year.
Special Note
The
disposal of this most distinguished ship
was inevitable in the climate of
reduced availability of manpower and the
need for fewer warships. Although her
weapon equipment fit had been improved
during
her last refit, other ships built
in WW2 were being scrapped. She was one of
the only two of the Class to survive
the war. HMS JERVIS had played
a significant part in naval operations,
particularly in the Mediterranean and
had been awarded eight Battle Honours for
her contribution, a total achieved by
only one other destroyer.
Addendum
CONVOY
ESCORT MOVEMENTS of HMS JERVIS
by
Don Kindell
These
convoy lists have not been cross-checked
with the text above
|
|
|
|
|
Date
convoy sailed
|
Joined
convoy as escort
|
Convoy No.
|
Left
convoy
|
Date
convoy arrived
|
|
|
|
|
|
14/10/39
|
14/10/39
|
HN
000
|
16/10/39
|
16/10/39
|
18/12/39
|
18/12/39
|
NARVIK
2
|
unknown
|
24/12/39
|
29/01/40
|
29/01/40
|
HN
009B
|
02/02/40
|
02/02/40
|
16/02/40
|
16/02/40
|
FS
0098
|
18/02/40
|
18/02/40
|
19/02/40
|
19/02/40
|
FN
0098
|
21/02/40
|
21/02/40
|
23/02/40
|
23/02/40
|
FS
0103
|
25/02/40
|
25/02/40
|
03/03/40
|
03/03/40
|
MT
022
|
03/03/40
|
03/03/40
|
04/03/40
|
04/03/40
|
ON
017A/
|
08/03/40
|
08/03/40
|
11/03/40
|
11/03/40
|
MT
028
|
12/03/40
|
12/03/40
|
22/02/40
|
22/03/40
|
MT
016
|
23/02/40
|
23/02/40
|
11/09/40
|
14/09/40
|
AN
003
|
14/09/40
|
15/09/40
|
25/02/42
|
25/02/42
|
AT
031/M
|
27/02/42
|
27/02/42
|
16/11/42
|
16/11/42
|
MW
013
|
20/11/42
|
20/11/42
|
01/12/42
|
04/12/42
|
MW
014
|
05/12/42
|
05/12/42
|
07/01/43
|
10/01/43
|
MW
019
|
11/01/43
|
11/01/43
|
21/01/43
|
25/01/43
|
MH
003/M
|
26/01/43
|
26/01/43
|
27/01/43
|
28/01/43
|
ME
016
|
01/02/43
|
01/02/43
|
06/02/43
|
06/02/43
|
MW
020A
|
10/02/43
|
10/02/43
|
13/02/43
|
13/02/43
|
ME
017
|
18/02/43
|
18/02/43
|
25/01/44
|
03/02/44
|
GUS
029
|
05/02/44
|
22/02/44
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note
on Convoys)