Cruiser Squadron One’s War
Diary commenced on 1
March 1940. Before this time, their
activities were carried by the Rosyth War
Diary which only began on 5 November 1939 (ADM
199/362) and more broadly in the Daily
Operations Report for First Lord (ADM 199/1939
et al).
WAR
DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING, FIRST
CRUISER SQUADRON
1st
March –15th March 1940
Friday,
1st March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
on duty at Admiralty
State
of First Cruiser Squadron
DEVONSHIRE (Flag)
|
At Rosyth. Giving ten days leave to Ship's Company.
Ship berth in No. 2 Dock at 36 hours notice
for sea. Opportunity was taken to effect
minor repairs in DEVONSHIRE and to blank off
main deck scuttles.
|
BERWICK
|
DENMARK STRAIT Patrol (N.P. No. 42)
|
YORK
|
Left Scapa at 1015 for South Iceland Patrol (N.P. No. 53)
|
SUFFOLK
|
At
Govan. Refit and
repairs by Messrs Fairfields
after collision damage –estimated date of
completion 10th April 1940
|
NORFOLK
|
Greenock
|
SUSSEX
|
On passage to England from East Indies to Join First Cruiser
Squadron
|
DORSETSHIRE
|
South Atlantic – to join First Cruiser Squadron in due course.
|
Saturday
2nd March 1940
A.M.
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, who
had been at the Admiralty on duty in connection with
STRATFORD plan, returned to DEVONSHIRE at Rosyth.
1330
BERWICK intercepted German merchant ship WOLFSBURG,
disguised as German AUST in position 067-38 degrees
North, 022-47 degrees West on the edge of an ice
pack. The ship was in flames and half full of water
and the crew had taken to the boats. Ship was
finished off by gunfire. 26 Officers and 43 men were
rescued.
Sunday
3rd March 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at
Rosyth
A.M.
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
proceeded to Greenock
by car to interview the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet in RODNEY. Visited NORFOLK and returned to
Rosyth p.m.
1206
YORK intercepted German ship ARUCAS. Weather was too
bad to board. The ship was abandoned by two
boatloads of the crew, one of which capsized. Ship
was finally abandoned at 1930 and settling rapidly.
Ship was sunk by gunfire in position 063 degrees North,
013-55 degrees West. 42 men were rescued of whom
three died.
Monday
4th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
A.M.
Conference on embarkation arrangements for STRATFORD
Plan held. Attended by Major
Rycroft, liaison Officer from the War Office, and
by representatives of the Captain of the Dockyard,
Rosyth. Final details of arrangements
settled.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, orders BERWICK and YORK on
completion of Patrol and NORFOLK on 7th March, to
proceed to Scapa for gunnery exercises. First
Cruiser Squadron not to be employed on Northern
Patrol for the present.
Tuesday
5th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
BERWICK
and
YORK ordered to land prisoners at Kirkwall.
Wednesday
6th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
1630
After locating her by her own Walrus aircraft the
previous evening, BERWICK intercepted the German
ship URUGUAY in position 067-21 degrees North,
016-12 degrees West. Boarding party found the ship
flooded and on fire. Rescued 14
Officers and 40 men. Ship was sunk by
gunfire.
P.M.
DEVONSHIRE Ship’s company returned from leave.
Thursday
7th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
NORFOLK
sailed from Greenock
for Scapa Flow.
Friday
8th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
Torpedo
tubes
for NORFOLK,
to replace those damaged in bad weather, arrived at
Fairfields of Govan.
Saturday
9th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE
to South Arm, Rosyth Dockyard. Ship
to 4 hours notice.
Sunday
10th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
YORK
arrived Scapa
SUSSEX
arrived Malta
en route for England
2130
Report of war vessels sighted by WOLF in Denmark
Strait – DEVONSHIRE
to 2 hours notice.
Monday
11th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE
reverted
to 4 hours notice.
BERWICK (with despatches), with NORFOLK and YORK, ordered to leave Scapa for Rosyth after
exercises on 12th March.
Ordered First Cruiser Squadron to embark Walrus
aircraft from Hatston, including one in NORFOLK for DEVONSHIRE.
Tuesday
12th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
BERWICK,
NORFOLK,
and YORK sailed from Scapa for Rosyth. Admiralty
orders BERWICK, NORFOLK, and YORK to arrive Rosyth
by 1600 on 13th March.
Wednesday
13th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
“D
1” received for Operation R 3 as Wednesday 13th
March. (Note: This should entail sailing for
STRATFORD (“S.S.” and “S.B.”) on Tuesday, 19th
March)). Ordnance
Train to arrive on Sunday 17th March and Troops on
Monday, 18th March.
A.M.
Telephone message from Major Rycroft to the effect
that the Ordnance Train for “S.S.” and “S.B.” would
arrive on Thursday, 14th March and should not be
unloaded until his arrival.
A.M.
BERWICK, NORFOLK, and YORK arrived at Rosyth.
BERWICK and NORFOLK berthed alongside, YORK
in the stream.
Night
leave
was given to the First Cruiser Squadron present at
Rosyth.
Thursday
14th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
0930
Three Ordnance Trains for “S.S.” and “S.B.” arrived
in the Dockyard.
1000
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
telephoned Captain Jeffries (Plans) from the Officer
of the Commander in Chief, Rosyth and received
intimation that trains should not be unloaded at
present.
1130
Major Rycroft arrived and confirmed this and, in
addition, stated that 24 hours notice as from 1430
each day could be expected before the executive to
carry out STRATFORD Plan.
1900
Received Admiralty’s instructions to “mark time” on
Plan R 3.
Friday
15th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
0315
Received instructions to cancel Plan R 3.
0445
Received instructions from the Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet for the First Cruiser Squadron to resume
Northern Patrol duties; two ships to proceed on
patrol as early as practicable – the remainder to
proceed to Scapa as convenient.
1200
NORFOLK sailed for South Iceland Patrol via Scapa
Flow (to land Walrus).
1345
DEVONSHIRE sailed for Denmark Strait.
Both
ships
to calibrate on the D.G. range at Rosyth before
proceeding.
(sgd) J.H.D.
Cunningham
Vice Admiral Commanding
WAR
DIARY OF VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
16th
March – 31st March 1940
Saturday
16th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
proceeding to N.P. 41 from Rosyth.
Air raid on Scapa at 2000.
NORFOLK hit by one 500 lb pound bomb and two near
misses. Bomb entered the Quarter Deck Port side
abaft “Y” Turret, passed through Main and Lower
Decks and exploded near “Y” Shell Room blowing a
hole in the starboard side below the waterline. “X”
and “Y” Magazines and Shell Rooms Flooded.
Killed:
2 Midshipmen, 1 Paymaster Midshipman, 1 Warrant
Engineer
Wounded:
1 Midshipman, 2 Gunners, 1 Warrant Electrician, 1
Yeoman of Signals 2 Maltese Stewards
(n.b. Midshipmen
J.
W. Busk and R.C. Evans-Lombe, Paymaster
Midshipman D.B.P. Pick, and Warrant Engineer
J.F. Baxter, RNR, were killed. Midshipman R.H.
Cooper, Gunners H.R. Richards and D.A.
Holdsworth, Acting Warrant Electrician M.A.
Smith, Yeoman of Signals Richard Hill (
William Lewis?), Steward Alfred Mallia, and
Petty Officer Steward Emmanuele Zammit were
wounded.
Sunday
17th March 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE
proceeding to N.P. 41
Monday
18th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONPORT on N.P. 41.
The
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet ordered YORK and BERWICK to
remain at Rosyth until required for N.P.
Tuesday 19th March
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
Battle
Fleet
to sea to support Operation D.O.
NORFOLK
escorted
by four destroyers sailed for Clyde at 10 knots.
First
Cruiser
Squadron ordered to continue working from Clyde
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1301/19)
Wednesday
20th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
Rear
Admiral
A.T.B. Curteis appointed 2nd in Command, First
Cruiser Squadron to date 30th May 1940.
Thursday
21st March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
Position
of
Battle Fleet at 1800 was 063 degrees 50 minutes
North, 006 degrees, 00 minutes East proceeding to
062 degrees North 002 degrees East by 0730 22nd
March.
NORFOLK
reports date of complete end of June to mid July.
Ship’s company proceed
on 14 days leave.
Friday
22nd March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
Pocket
Battleship
or 10,000 ton cruiser, with tender of ALTMARK type
reported “out” first week of March.
Saturday
23rd March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
BERWICK
left
Rosyth 1900 for N.P. 41.
Sunday
24th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
Battle
Fleet
in support of Northern Patrol on a line Kelso –
Langanaes.
Lowest
temperature
recorded 14 degrees Centigrade.
Monday
25th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41.
YORK
left Rosyth 1900 for N.P. 33 via Scapa, and tested
D.G. on the Inchkieth Range.
Tuesday
26th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
on N.P. 41 relived by BERWICK at 1200.
YORK
arrived Scapa, landed
aircraft, and sailed for N.P. 33.
Wednesday
27th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
returning to Clyde.
SUFFOLK
undocked
at Govan (Fairfields)
Thursday
28th March 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE arrived
Greenock
at 1000 from Northern Patrol. This patrol produced a
very large incidence of illnesses amongst Officers
and Men, German Measles,
Influenza, and severe common colds
Friday
29th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Saturday
30th March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Sunday
31st March 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Plan R 4 to be put into operation (Admiralty
Message 0125/31) – also STRATFORD probably 3rd April.
DEVONSHIRE,
BERWICK, and YORK to arrive Rosyth by 3rd April.
YORK
left N.P. 33 for Rosyth via Fair Island Channel.
BERWICK
left
N.P. 41 for Rosyth via the Pentland Firth.
GLASGOW
detailed
to join the Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser
Squadron at Rosyth.
Aircraft
for
DEVONSHIRE
and YORK ordered to be ferried from Hatston to
Rosyth.
SUFFOLK
reported
ready to sail 14th April.
WAR
DIARY OF VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
1st
April –15th April 1940
Monday
1st April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
A.M.
Vice
Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited
NORFOLK and SUFFOLK at Govan and inspected damage to
NORFOLK.
Northern
Patrol
Cruisers withdrawn indefinitely.
H.M.S.
GLASGOW
placed under Vice Admiral Command First Cruiser
Squadron’s orders and instructed to proceed to
Rosyth.
Asked Lee on Solent to send Walrus for NORFOLK to Hatston.
Tuesday
2nd April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
DEVONSHIRE
sailed at 0300 for Rosyth via Minches passing
Pentland Firth 2300 and thence inside Mine Barrier.
GLASGOW
arrived Rosyth 1415.
Aircraft
for
DEVONSHIRE
and YORK ordered from Hatston to Donibristle.
BERWICK,
passing
through Pentland Firth
at 2100 during an air raid on Scapa, engaged an
enemy aircraft with short range weapons without
success.
YORK
arrived Rosyth
Wednesday
3rd April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
on passage to Rosyth.
DEVONSHIRE
and BERWICK arrived
Rosyth 1030. DEVONSHIRE
alongside.
WARSPITE
sailed
Scapa for Mediterranean 1930.
AFRIDI, GURKHA, SIKH, ZULU, COSSACK, KASHMIR,
and KELVIN to join Force “S” under Vice Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron for Plan R 4. MOHAWK to join later.
NORFOLK to pay off on 25th April, retaining 14 officers
and 176 ratings to be borne on books of SPARTIATE.
(Canceled by Admiralty Message
1943/12th
April
1940 – to remain in commission.
Stores
for
STRATFORD
have arrived Rosyth.
G.S.O.
(M)
Scottish Command interview
the Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron.
Thursday
4th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
Flag
of Admiral Sir E. Evans hoisted in AURORA at
Greenock.
Night
leave
to 50% of destroyers of Force “S”
Friday
5th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth Dockyard.
(1021
to Admiralty) – Requested lower deck scuttles of
SUSSEX be blanked off.
Operation
WILFRED
will take place on Monday, 8th April.
Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron
in RENOWN to support Force W.V. (Commander in
Chief’s 1229 5th April).
Leave
to 50% of destroyers and cruisers of Force “S”
Cruisers
and
destroyers berthed alongside dockyard.
Saturday
6th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
0810,
Orders
for STRATFORD
(Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s
and Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s) issued to
Force “S”.
Ordered all leave and communication with shore
to cease.
Commenced
loading
stores 1100, completed p.m.
1700.
Meeting of all Commanding Officers of Force “S”,
plan of action gone through.
Sunday
7th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
“Instructions
to
Force Commanders” received from Admiralty and
distributed to all Commanding Officers of Force “S”.
Troops
arrived,
but about 1 ½ hours late on schedule owing to
railway breakdown. Embarkation completed by 1830; in
good time according to plan.
Personal
gear
of troops greatly exceeded weights catered for and
surplus, bicycles, band instruments, office
furniture, etc. was landed in Dockyard.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, in RODNEY, REPULSE, VALIANT,
SHEFFIELD, PENELOPE, and EMILE BERTIN sailed 2030 to
reach position 61 degrees North, 001 degrees East at
0700 on 8th April.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1607.
Vice Admiral Commanding Second
Cruiser Squadron, to pass
May
Island at 2359 7th April with Force “R” and SOMALI,
MATABELE, MASHONA, and TARTAR.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1946 to the
Vice Admiral Commanding Second Cruiser Squadron,
weep
to northwards reaching J.S.T.S. 3050.
1700.
Meeting of Commanding Officers of Force “S”.
Brigadier Morgan attended.
Admiralty’s
1259
received about 1800. Hitler reported to have ordered
occupation of Narvik and Jutland
– date of arrived at Narvik 8th April – Report
Doubtful.
Enemy
forces
– 1 SCHARNHORST, 1 Pocket Battleship, 3 LEIPZIG
cruisers reported at sea.
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited
Donibristle (2400) to get latest information of
enemy situation.
Monday
8th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
Operation
WILFRED
reported completed at 0529.
A.M.
1100
received 1115. It seems possible that the report the
Admiralty Message 1259, 7th April,
that German forces may be on their way to
Narvik is true.
Enemy
reports
continued to be received during the forenoon and it
was evident that they were at sea in considerable
strength. Warned cruisers of
Force “S” to be prepared to disembark troops.
Verbal
orders
from Commander in Chief, Rosyth, (later confirmed by
Admiralty message 1216/8th April) to disembark
troops were received about 1130. The disembarkation
of the troops and stores was completed and the
Squadron sailed at 1415 to company. In accordance
with Admiral message 1230, 8th April, rendezvous
with EMIL BERTIN and six French destroyers was
arranged for 2100 in Latitude 57-52 degrees North,
Longitude 01-57 degrees West. French Squadron,
consisting of EMILE BERTIN and two destroyers only,
joined at this time and in compliance with Admiral
message 1842, 8th April, to sweep to the Northward
keeping west of a line 001-50 degrees East, First
Cruiser Squadron and GLASGOW were spread five miles
apart in the order, from East to West, of
DEVONSHIRE, GLASGOW, BERWICK, and YORK on a course
020 degrees altering to 360 degrees at 24 knots. (n.b.
hand corrected 0500). The French Squadron kept
in close company to DEVONSHIRE
owing to the difficulty of communicating with them
arising from the non supply to DEVONSHIRE of the
Inter Allied Tactical Signalling Instructions.
FURIOUS
ordered
to embark aircraft and proceed northwards towards
Shetlands.
Position of Vice Admiral Commanding Second
Cruiser Squadron and Vice Admiral Commanding
Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, received about 1800.
Admiralty
message
1842, 8th April, received at 2012 giving objectives
of Fleet.
Admiralty
Message
2018, 8th April instructs Vice Admiral Commanding
Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron to patrol 062-10 degrees
North between 001-50 degrees East and 002-35 degrees
East.
Admiralty Message 1850.
Vice Admiral Commanding Battle
Cruiser Squadron to concentrate on preventing any
German Forces reaching Narvik.
Northern Patrol withdrawn.
WARSPITE
recalled
to rejoin Home Fleet.
Tuesday
9th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
At
0045, 9th April, deciphered version of Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 2252, 8th April ordering the
First Cruiser Squadron, Second Cruiser Squadron, and
the French Squadron to sweep in pairs to the
Northward from certain positions, was received. It
so happened that the pairing of ships and the
positions assigned to them would have necessitated
every ship crossing one or more of her consorts
while proceeding to her new position and in the
prevailing visibility I considered it necessary to
concentrate the squadron before re spreading.
Before
this
had been effected Admiralty message 0210, 9th April,
was receiving, ordering a concentration on GLASGOW
at 0500. As by now time did not permit of GLASGOW
reaching the concentration point at the time ordered
I steered with my force for GLASGOW’s
0700 position and joined the Vice Admiral Commanding
Second Cruiser Squadron at that time. The whole
force then proceeded to the Northward under the
orders of the Vice Admiral Commanding, Second
Cruiser Squadron, meeting the Commander in Chief
shortly, after 0930, 9th April, having been under
the observation of enemy shadowing aircraft since
about 0900.
The
Vice Admiral Commanding Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron,
with a force of destroyers, was detached at 1130 to
patrol off Bergen. The First Cruiser Squadron
stationed on A.K. line, 8 miles astern of Battle
Fleet, 5 miles apart in the order from east to west,
of DEVONSHIRE, BERWICK, and YORK.
FURIOUS
sailed
Clyde
for northward, 0100.
Report
of
invasion of Norway and Denmark received.
0300 RENOWN in action with a SCHARNHORST and
HIPPER in position D.R.R.R. 2234.
Air attack on Fleet.
First Cruiser Squadron attack continued
intermittently from 1400 to 1800.
About
17 bombs were aimed at DEVONSHIRE
from varying heights estimated as between 2000 and
12,000 feet and some 20 at BERWICK from similar
distances. YORK was not bombed.
Several
near
misses were experienced by both ships but little
damage was done apart from some minor leaks
sustained in certain after compartments in BERWICK.
The
high level bombing on DEVONSHIRE
was particularly accurate.
One
bomber,
hit by anti aircraft fire, was seen by YORK to crash
between DEVONSHIRE
and BERWICK.
One
reconnaissance
plane was observed periodically at about 20,000 -
30,000 feet until about 1930.
GURKHA
hit
and sunk about 1855.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1901.
At 2000, Battle Fleet will steer 270 degrees from
B.Q.W.Y. 4027 – 16 knots speed of advance. Alter
course at 0500 to 115 degrees, First Cruiser
Squadron will spread 7 miles, 180 degrees.
Admiralty Message 1138, 9th April.
Enemy force arrived Narvik.
Admiralty Message 0820.
Commander in Chief to propose
plan to attack German warships in
Bergen, Trondjheim, and Narvik.
Wednesday
10th April 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron at sea in
DEVONSHIRE in company with the Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet.
FURIOUS,
WARSPITE,
and several destroyers joined the Commander in Chief
about 0700, 10th April, and the Fleet stood to the
northward from 61 degrees 13 degrees North, 1-08
degrees West, with the First Cruiser Squadron
stationed on A.K. line, 8 miles ahead, in the
sequence from East to West of BERWICK, DEVONSHIRE,
and YORK, ships 5 miles apart.
(n.b.
entry scratched out
“0300
RENOWN in action with a SCHARNHORST and HIPPER
in position D.R.R.R. 2243”).
Skuas
of the Fleet Air Arm from Hatston attacked Bergen.
Dawn attack on Narvik by the 2nd Destroyer
Flotilla. HUNTER sunk, HARDY aground. Captain of 2nd
Destroyer Flotilla killed. HOTSPUR damaged.
Projected
attack
on cruisers at Trondjheim by FURIOUS, and later, on
Narvik.
Thursday
11th April 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron, in DEVONSHIRE,
at sea in company with Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet.
SUSSEX ready to sail from Clyde.
Admiralty
message
1607, 11th April. Possible enemy rendezvous 067
degrees North between 004-34 degrees East and 006
degrees about 2000 11/12th April.
Battle
Cruisers
ordered to carry out patrol in this area.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0546, 11th
April. Vice Admiral Commanding, 18th Cruiser Squadron,
to sweep North from
Aalesund, destroyers working Indrelea, Cruisers
providing cover from seaward.
Air attack on Trondjheim, First Cruiser Squadron
being detached to cover FURIOUS from the Northward
and Battle Fleet from Southward while flying off
and on.
Orders to sink all German merchant ships in
Norwegian waters.
PENELOPE
aground
off Fleidvaer, refloated
and towed to Vestfjord by ESKIMO.
At
0900, FURIOUS having recovered her aircraft, the
Fleet stood to the Northward with the First Cruiser
Squadron on A.K. line 8 miles to the North in
sequence from East to West of YORK, DEVONSHIRE,
BERWICK, course being altered to south at 1045 and
to north again at 1136 at which time a very heavy
underwater explosion, apparently to the North
Westward, was felt by DEVONSHIRE and BERWICK and
slightly by YORK. DEVONSHIRE’s
position
at this time was 64-19 degrees North, 7-50 degrees
East in a chartered depth of about 150 fathoms.
Battle fleet attacked by bombers 1540 to 1700.
Position 64-48 degrees North,
7-32 degrees East. ECLIPSE hit. Taken
in tow by YORK later.
1500.
Parted company in position 64-34 degrees North, 7-31
degrees East in accordance with the instructions
contained in Commander in Chief’ 1458, 11th April. BERWICK
in company, INGLEFIELD, IMOGEN, ISIS, and ILEX
being placed under my orders.
YORK being kept in company with the Commander in
Chief.
ISIS
and ILEX, then detached, were ordered by W/T to
search Nansen Fjiord, paying particular attention to
Namsos and to rejoin me at 064-38 degrees North,
010-10 degrees East at 2100. They reported Nansen
Fjiord and Namsos clear of shipping.
INGLEFIELD
and
IMOGEN were ordered by V/S to search as much of
Indreleia to Southward
as possible before dark, entering and leaving at
Bhulmraasa, Lat. 64-26 degrees N, Long. 10-36
degrees East rejoining
me at 2100 at the same rendezvous as other
destroyers. They searched as far South as 64 degrees
N, and saw nothing in the Inner Lead, nor Sves
Skjervoer, Branda, Brands, Berfjorm, and Skjora
Fjords.
Friday
12th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
at sea.
Stood
to the North westward until 0100, 12th April, and
then closed the land and at 0505 ISIS (Senior
Officer) and IMOGEN were detached off Kya Light,
64-28 degrees N. 10-13 degrees East with orders to
endeavour to get pilots at Rovik, 64-52 degrees
North, 11-15 degrees East and to examine Indrelea as
far as Aasver Fjord, 66-27 degrees North, 12-18
degrees East where they were to regain open waters.
Meanwhile, with the Cruisers and remaining
destroyers, I worked to Northward and at 1500
reached the Meridian 11-30 degrees East, on which I
had ordered ISIS to rejoin me between 1500 and 1700,
between Latitude 66-20 degrees North and 66-40
degrees North.
On
rejoining
at about 1530, ISIS
reported no German ships nor
troops between Nansen Fjord and Aasvaer Fjord, that
the Harbour Master at Dronno reported Vefsen and
Leirfjord clear of Germans and that Norwegian troops
were in Masjoen. The ships were cheered on passing
by Norwegians ashore and afloat.
The
Norwegian
Gun Boat NORDCAP was sighted and spoken by ISIS in
Aluangen, 66-03 degrees North,
12-35 degrees East, and informed her that Norwegians
had sunk a German tanker, name unknown.
I
then proceeded with my force towards the reported
enemy rendezvous, reported in Admiralty message
1607, 11th April, and at 2030 sighted a brilliantly
lighted vessel which, on closing, proved to be the
Italian VOLTA. On being boarded by BERWICK she
stated that she was bound from the Faroes to Narvik
with dried fish, such a strange cargo that I ordered
her detention and sent her into Kirkwall
as she had insufficient coal to reach the Clyde. It
subsequently transpired that she had ample coal and
the ship was accordingly taken to Greenock.
SUSSEX
embarks 250 Marines for Faroes.
Admiralty
message
1211. Indications that Mediterranean situation viz a
viz Italy is deteriorating.
Anti
aircraft
cruiser joins YORK – towing ECLIPSE.
Armed Merchant Cruisers again sailing for
patrol.
Northern Patrol re-established.
Flag
of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cork hoisted in AURORA.
Sailed Rosyth.
General
Mackesey
sailed in SOUTHAMPTON
for Narvik.
PENELOPE
anchored
in Vestfjord (Skjel Fjord).
Force
“B”
(Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron, in
WARSPITE), destroyers, FURIOUS, and PENELOPE carried
out Operation D.W. 12th April. Object – destruction
of enemy warships in the Narvik area (Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 1918 of 12th April.
BERWICK
speed
reduced to 26 knots owing to excessive vibration in
Port Inner H.P. Turbine.
HEARTY
arrived
Thorshaven
SUFFOLK
sailed for Faroes
GUARDIAN to Faroes.
SUFFOLK to proceed to Vestfjord to relieve Vice Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron on completion of
Faroes operation.
Saturday
13th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron,
at sea, in DEVONSHIRE.
Rejoined the Commander in Chief at 0930, 13th
April. Shortly afterwards, in accordance with the
Commander in Chief’s instructions, destroyers were
detached to Skjelfjord to oil from BRITISH LADY. Remained
in company with the Commander in Chief until
detached to investigate the situation at Tromso
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1717, 13th
April).
Sunday
14th April 1940
Captain
D
3 in INGLEFIELD with ISIS, ILEX, and IMOGEN joined
me in 69-30 degrees North, 16-05 degrees East at
0700 and I detached BERWICK with INGLEFIELD and
IMOGEN to investigate Andfjord Vassaforden and
adjacent inlets, particularly Grantanbotn, and
proceeded with ISIS and ILEX (who were later sent on
ahead of me to examine Ringvassoy and Kvaloy Fjords
where D/F bearings have placed what might have been
an enemy merchant ships but proved to be a Norwegian
seaplane) to Tromso, arriving at 1500. (n.b.
pen and ink addition, “Established S/M patrol by
ISIS and ILEX in the North and
south entrance to Tromso Fjord.)
The
British
Vice Consul, Lieutenant Commander Cummings, DSC, RN
(ret), the Senior Naval Officer, Kapitan Bredsdorff,
the Senior Naval Air Officer, the Harbour Master,
and the Chief Operator of Tromso W/T, who had been
summoned though the agency of the above mentioned
seaplane, called on me and informed me of the local
situation. I ascertained there was a considerable
quantity of oil fuel in the district, an oil barge,
and that vessels of the British Tanker Company had
been able to discharge alongside the jetty at the
tank farm., that the wireless station at Tromso had
already been bombed and was without defence as was
the tank farm, further that some 200 Naval mines
were stowed in close proximity to the oil tanks. In
response to my enquiry I was informed that the local
authorities were quite confident of being able to
beat off any attack which may be made on Tromso
Island by small parties of German troops operating
from captured fishing boats. On return to Tromso on
15th April I landed two machine guns manned by
Marines as a temporary protection for the oil farm.
I arranged that the Norwegian Coastal wireless
station should broadcast enemy reports in plain
language, using the call sign of any British warship
(G.B.X.Z.) on 366 Kc/s wave.
General
Fleischer,
the Norwegian G.O.C. of the district arrived shortly
afterwards by seaplane from Salangen. The General
gave me a brief resume of the Military situation as
a result of which I asked him to send his Chief of
Staff the next day, by plane, to, interview the Flag
Officer AURORA. This visit unfortunately proved
abortive owing to the absence of the Flag Officer,
Narvik, From Sjeld
Fjord.
I
raised the question of the transport of three
battalions from Kirkenes and the General informed me
that he wished two only to be transferred to the
Tromso area, but was unwilling to have Kirkenes area
completely undefended. He seemed doubtful of Russian
intentions.
As
far at the Naval situation was concerned the Senior
Naval Officer informed me that only one Norwegian
warship, the FRIDHOFF NANSEN, was in this area, but
with the exception of some captured Norwegian
fishing boats armed with a machine gun and manned by
Germans, reported in some cases to be in Norwegian
uniform, the situation was quiet. I informed the
Senior Naval Officer that FURIOUS would arrive the
next day. The Senior Naval Officer was confident
that the munition ship reported at Kirkenes was Finnish,
that her cargo belong to the Finnish Government and
that she had already gone to Petsamo.
I
sailed from Tromso, ISIS
and ILEX in company, at 2100 for Kirkenes to
complete with the Commander in Chief’s 1716, 14th
April. Ordered BERWICK to join
me 10 miles North of Nordkap at 0700 on 15th
April.
Monday 15th April
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
at sea.
0100.
Detached ISIS and ILEX off Aroy
(70-15 degrees N, 20-28 degrees E) to rendezvous
with FURIOUS.
0700.
BERWICK and INGLEFIELD joined DEVONSHIRE
in position 10 miles North of Norkap.
On
arrival
at Kirkenes at 1600, 15th April, each Cruiser was
ready to embark one battalion but on being boarded
by the Major in charge of troops and the Harbour
Master, I learned the former had orders to send only
one battalion and that this was already embarked and
ready to sail in DRONNING MAUD and KONG HAAKON while
its mechanical transport had already sailed in a 9
knot steamer escorted by an armed trawler which were
passed in the entrance wo the Fjiord on the way in.
Shortly
after
my arrival, Kapitan Rynning of the Royal Norwegian
Navy arrived by seaplane and placed himself at my
disposal as Liaison Officer and an excellent one he
proved. He brought with him an almost complete set
of Norwegian charts of the district for which I had
asked.
At
about 1800 a signal was received from Kirkenes
Coastal Wireless Station reporting presence of two
warships off Petsamo (this was in plane language in
accordance with the arrangements come to at Tromso
on the 14th April). I sent INGLEFIELD to sea
immediately and at 2056 received the report that he
was in touch with two destroyers, which proved to
the Russian Ships of the SHTROM class. In following
up these ships INGLEFIELD came under ineffective
fire from Russian Batteries.
The
transports
sailed at about 1800 and BERWICK and INGLEFIELD were
detailed to cover KONG HAAKON and the M.T. Ship. The
DRONNING MAUD was due to call at Varda to embark
details and I therefore sailed at 2000 with a view
to covering DRONNING MAUD to Tromso.
INGLEFIELD
when
rejoining BERWICK encountered a Russian submarine of
the SH – CH class of Varda. She was on the surface
and flying her colours.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
16/4
WAR DIARY OF VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER SQUADRON
16th April - 30th April 1940
Tuesday
16th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE,
at sea.
After
DRONNING
MAUD entered the inner lead I proceeded in
DEVONSHIRE to Tromso, arriving at 1645, where I
found FURIOUS, who had established an Anti Submarine
Destroyer Patrol in the Northern and Southern
Approaches to the anchorage.
The
Norwegian
transports arrived during the night and BERWICK and
INGLEFIELD at 0730, 17th April.
In
accordance
with instructions I had left before sailing, FURIOUS
was embarking oil fuel from what was reputed to be
an 800 tons lighter; the rate of embarkation was under
7 tons an hour. Endeavours were made to increase
this rate and eventually it was found necessary to
purchase locally an addition pump by which it was
hoped that the rate of discharge would be materially
increased. FURIOUS embarked approximately 700 tons
of oil fuel, being her up to 40% of her total
capacity by 2200. On that day, the destroyers also
completed with oil fuel from the tank installation.
Fuelling rate was slow (about 50 tons per hour)
owing to the small diameter of the pipe which it was
possible to fit by means of an improvised adaptor,
which was manufactured in DEVONSHIRE, but
nevertheless, all destroyers were completed to full
stowage by a.m. 18th April.
Wednesday
17th April 1940
Learning
from
Norwegian authorities that the 2nd Battalion from
Kirkenes would be ready to sail p.m. on 18th April,
I despatched IMOGEN at 2200 on 17th April to act as
escort to Tromso. The convoy arrived at Tromso at
2130 on 19th April.
Operation
“DUCK”,
bombardment of Stavanger Aerodrome carried out by
SUFFOLK, a.m.
SUFFOLK
attacked
by aircraft. 33 attacks, 82 bombs, one hit in the
after engine room. (Approximately
1050).
Killed
One Sub Lieutenant (E), RNVR, 29 ratings and other
ranks
Injured
One Lieutenant , R.M.,
One Warrant Engineer, One Paymaster
Cadet, 38 ratings and other ranks
(n.b. LT
J.K.
Gardiner, RM, Acting Warrant Engineer A.L.C.
Walters, Paymaster Cadet M. Hay, Boy Bugler
R.L. Anchor, Marine J.M. Archibald, Corporal
F.C. Bevan, Cook Richard Crayton, Stoker
Alexander Cunningham, Stoker James Dobie,
Marine G.E. Dormer, Boy 1c Raymond Farnish,
Ordinary Seaman Gordon Forbes, Able Seaman
J.G. Funnel, Boy 1c Frederick Gaynor, Marine
N. Goldsmith, Engine Room Artificer Maurice
Grant, Stoker Petty Officer Samuel Hazley,
Sergeant J.C.F. Higgs, Marine L.G. Hood,
Musician H.C. Kemp, Stoker 1c David Milledge,
Boy Telegraphist Joseph Morgan, Acting Steward
F.A.L. Parlett, Stoker 2c Joseph Pickering,
Boy 1c Charles Playford, Leading Stoker A.C.
Poulter, Ordinary Telegraphist Sidney Pryke,
Marine R.J. Skeggs, Chief Stoker Walter
Spreadbury, Boy 1c L.F. Stedman, Marine H.
Stirk, Corporal H.W. Tindell, Marine G.
Tolley, Able Seaman R.J. Tucker, Stoker A.J.C.
Walker, Marine H.J. Wells, were listed as
wounded in the Casualty Pack).(War Cabinet
Weekly Resume No. 34 stated 32 wounded)
SUFFOLK
escorted
by RENOWN and REPULSE for Scapa.
Thursday
18th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
at Tromso.
On
18th April, FURIOUS proceed at 1200 escorted by two
destroyers to fly off aircraft for reconnaissance
purposes in the Narvik area and at 1530 while
operating in the Grotsundet Fiord, she was subject
to a high bombing attack by a German Heinkel
Aircraft and as a result of a near miss her Port
Inner H.P. Turbing developed a defect the result of
which was to reduce her maximum speed to 26 knots.
This was reported in my 2347, 18th April. This was
reported in my 2347, 18th April. Various reports of
aircraft were received during the day and at about
1900 a Fokker Wulf (Condor) aircraft was sighted
from the anchorage. She was engaged at long range by
DEVONSHIRE and BERWICK without success. It
subsequently machine gunned the wireless station and
bombed the power station at Kvalsundet, 69-50
degrees North, 19 degrees East. At about 1900 a
requisitioned Norwegian fishing vessel came
alongside and reported that a British aircraft had
crashed through flying into the cable crossing the
Kualsundet near the power station. I send a part in
the Norwegian vessel to assist and also directed
INGLEFIELD who was the North Anti Submarine Patrol
Vessel to investigate. The crashed machine proved to
be Swordfish No. U 4 K from FURIOUS and it was found
that the pilot had been killed, and the observed
badly injured. While the injured man was being got
on board INGLEFIELD, the German attack on the power
station, mentioned above, was observed,
approximately five bombs were dropped and apparently
a fire started. The injured man was brought back to
Tromso by INGLEFIELD and sent to hospital.
At
2400 the British Consul came on board accompanied by
the harbour Master to represent the view of the
Norwegian Authorities that some protection should be
provided for the power station, which was one of the
two upon which Tromso, including the wireless
station, depended on for their light and power. He
pointed out that the one at (n.b. deleted in
Diary) had been provided with a machine gun
manned by Norwegian Army personnel, but this other
one was quite unprotected. As the destruction of
this power station would entail the stoppage of all
ship repair work at Tromso, as well as putting the
wireless station out of action and the town in
darkness, I promised that one of the two machine
guns, which I had already sent to protect the oil
fuel tanks, would be sent to the power station, as
since seeing the position of the oil fuel tanks
myself I considered that they would extremely
difficult to attack from the air and that one double
Lewis Gun would be as great a deterrent as two.
On
the afternoon of the 18th April I called on the
Governor (Flykesmann) of Tromso. He explained to me
at length that he intended to accept all
responsibility except Military, on behalf of the
Government for the Provinces of Finmark, Tromso, and
Nordland. The Governor of Finmark had already agreed
to this and he hoped the Governor of Nordland would
also come into line. This would give him control
from the Finnish border to South of Bodo. He asked
that all matters of policy in this area be referred
to him. Supplies of food, he stated, were short in
all provinces and he would be grateful if we did not
purchase or call on local supplies. Supplies of
petrol, paraffin, and coal were at present adequate
for local requirements.
At
about 2200 the Oiler WAR PINDARI, escorted by
FORTUNE arrived and immediately went alongside
BERWICK, who in view of the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1732, 18th, directing me to return to Scapa,
I had instructed to embark only 400 tons of oil
fuel.
Friday
19th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
at Tromso.
At
about 0130 the Oiler proceeded to FURIOUS who
reported that she hoped to embark fuel at the rate
of 290 tons an hour and to be completed by 0830 the
next morning.
I
had previously arranged with the Liaison Officer for
the re embarkation of DEVONSHIRE’s and BERWICK’s
Marine detachments from the oil fuel tanks farm and
for their replacement by a detachment from FURIOUS,
but on receipt of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
0050 at about 0300 it was found impossible to get
them off in time and I therefore decided to leave
them behind and to wait only until I could re embark
DEVONSHIRE’s Walrus aircraft which had been landed
at the Norwegian Seaplane Station for fitting of
BERWICK’s spare main planes in replacement of those
damaged by bomb splinters and black during the air
attack on 9th April.
The
aircraft
and spare gear were re embarked and I sailed with
BERWICK and INGLEFIELD at 0800 and proceeded at 26
knots, which was BERWICK’s maximum speed, heavy snow
storms and poor visibility being encountered during
the passage down the Fjord. As enemy aircraft had
been reported in the vicinity and I anticipated the
possibility of heavy attack as a result of the
reconnaissance made by the Fokker Wulf the night
before. I directed FURIOUS to continue oiling while
the visibility remained bad but in any case to case
in time to enable her to proceed to sea by 1030. At
0800 FURIOUS was 67% complete with oil and it was
anticipated that she would be between 80 and 85%
complete by the time she sailed. I instructed the
Commanding Officer FORTUNE to direct WAR PINDARI to
proceed alongside the pier at the oil fuel tanks and
to embark 4000 tons of fuel and then proceed to
Skjelfjord by the inner lead, as directed by the
Flag Officer, Narvik. In detailing that she should
embark 4000 tons from Tromso installation rather
than the quantity required to bring her cargo up to
4000 tons as I had originally intended I was
influenced by the fact that WARSPITE had been
ordered to return to the Narvik Area and was, I was
aware, short of fuel, I considered that the delay in
getting WAR PINDARI away from Tromso was more than
outweighed by the desirability of making available
as much oil as possible in the Vestfjord area. I was
unaware of the time it would take WAR PINDARI to
embark this 4000 tons of fuel, but I considered it
possible that as she was equipped with the normal
commercial appliances she should be able to do it at
the rate of 250 tons per hour by use of her pumps
and therefore that she would be able to sail at
early daylight the next morning, and I arranged
local pilots to be available for her.
Saturday
20th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
On
receipt
of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1728/19th April,
speed of advance was reduced to 20 knots and at 0511
WARSPITE, escorted by four destroyers, was passed in
Latitude 66-28 degrees N, 6-37 degrees E steering
Northeastwards. At noon convoy N.M.S. 1, escorted by
two destroyers and several trawlers, was passed in
Latitude 64-44 degrees North, Longitude 2-54 degrees
East, steering northeastward.
Sunday
21st April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE,
at Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE,
BERWICK,
and INGLEFIELD arrived
Scapa at 1000.
Flag
of Rear Admiral Clarke hoisted in SHEFFIELD
Represented to Admiralty the advisability of
continuing broadcasting of meteorological data
from Tromso (0942/21).
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet 1100.
(Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 2344/20th April, received 21st
April). Ships of First and Eighteenth Cruiser
Squadrons are to take the first opportunity to
embark their full complement of aircraft – I pointed
out to the Commander in Chief, during my visit, the
effect of having to fire in Anti Aircraft Defence
which almost invariably rendered the aircraft unfit
for service.
Monday
22nd April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 0045/22nd April, 1940 YORK to
proceed to Rosyth to embark anti aircraft battery
for Namsos covering RUTLAND on the way.
(Commander
in
Chief’s 1032/22nd April) YORK now required for other
duty – to embark troops for Romsdals Fjord to arrive
Rosyth, 22nd April (Admiralty Message 2043/22nd
April). To embark 620 men and
60 tons of stores. YORK sailed p.m..
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 0920 to
Admiralty – Request priority may be given to
blanking scuttles in SUSSEX.
(Commander in Chief’s 2226).
BERWICK is to sail with the Vice Admiral Aircraft
Carriers in ARK ROYAL for Operation D/X – air
protection of MAURICE and SICKLE forces by carrier
borne aircraft – sailed 1200.
Visited SUFFOLK to inspect damage.
SUFFOLK beached at Longhope. Damage
very similar to that experienced in
NORFOLK as result of bomb.
Admiralty message 1627/22nd April.
Only urgent defects to be taken
in hand, no Alterations and additions, maximum
number of ships to be available this summer.
Tuesday
23rd April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Wednesday
24th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Thursday
25th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
From
Flag
Officer, Glasgow: “In view of Admiralty message
1622/22nd April, amended date of completion of
NORFOLK” – 14th June.
YORK
sailed from Rosyth for Aandalsnes
Friday
26th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron, to First Cruiser
Squadron:
“Item
blanking
off scuttles is to be classified A.A.”
Admiralty
message
1742/25th April:
“Small
ship’s cypher, naval cypher, and Administrative
code may be comprised. Restrict use.”
Saturday
27th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
0500.
YORK arrived from Aandalsnes with prisoners and
casualties.
Sunday
28th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Admiralty
message
0339 of 21st April. Evacuation
of Namsos and Aandalsnes areas.
0950.
Interview with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, and
Contre Amiral Derrien. Ordered to carry out Namsos
operation, 1st and 2nd May. Forces available:
DEVONSHIRE
YORK
MONTCALM
(n.b. Contre Amiral Derrien)
CARLISLE
(Vice Admiral Commanding, 20th Cruiser Squadron)
Three French transports, EL D’JEZAIR, EL KANTARA,
and EL MANSOUR
Eight destroyers, including Captain (D) Fourth
and Fifth Destroyer Flotillas.
Exchanged
visits
with Contre Amiral Cadart.
Monday
29th April 1940
P.M. Meeting of all available Commanding
Officers of my forces. Issued Operation Order 1st
C.S. 003.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 1817/29th April. Operation
ZEAL. VALIANT to
bombard forts as a diversion to assist evacuation.
Ordered YORK, DEVONSHIRE, and AFRIDI to destroy all record of STRATFORD.
Rear
Admiral
Lyster appointed Rear Admiral Narvik/
2000.
Sailed my force for Operation KLAXON I and II
Admiralty message 2213/29th April.
Tromso W/T to broadcast
intelligence reports and meteorological
information daily.
Tuesday
30th April 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
and force for Operation KLAXON I and II at sea,
proceeding towards Namsos.
1950
in latitude 63-09 degrees N, longitude 00-48 degrees
E sighed and spoke ARK ROYAL (Vice Admiral Aircraft
Carriers), VALIANT, and BERWICK , in company.
NOTE
Full
report
of Operation KLAXON I and II is contained in 1st
C.S. 89/W.9/1 of 10th May, and only matters outside
this operation will be included in my diary 1st to
4th May. (n.b. not in
file)
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
17/5
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
1st May - 15th May 1940
Wednesday
1st May 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at
sea with force for Operation KLAXON I and II.
NOTE.
Full report of this operation is given in 1st C.S.
89/W.9/1 of 10th May 1940
At
1304 Force was attacked by two aircraft (Dornier
XVII). No casualties.
Encountered
for
about 1800 and had to abandon all though of entering
Namsos Fjord that night.
Formed
intention
of attempting to carry out complete operation on the
following night and informed all authorities.
NUBIAN
shot
down one of ARK ROYAL’s Skuas in fog. Crew saved.
Thursday
2nd May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea with force for Operation KLAXON.
0315.
Joined by Vice Admiral Commanding 20th Cruiser
Squadron in CARLISLE
Shadowed by aircraft from 0430 until about 0930.
1107.
Destroyers under Captain (D), Fifth Destroyer
Flotilla, bombed in fog. Near miss caused 23
casualties in MAORI.
In fog 1030 to 1300.
Detached CARLISLE at 1346 to Namsos.
Fog
1730 to 1830 when ran out of fog and steered to Kya
Light.
Sent
Transports,
Captains (D), Fourth and Fifth Destroyer Flotillas,
and YORK into Namsos and remained outside Namsen
Fjord on patrol, until their return.
Friday
3rd May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea with force for Operation KLAXON.
0220 to 0345.
Transport and YORK cleared Namsen Fiord after having
embarked all troops.
Force
left
for Scapa at best speed in general formation of
YORK and one transport
well ahead.
MONTCALM and second
transport
DEVONSHIRE, CARLISLE, and third transport.
YORK
and her convoy, which was the first to leave, were
not seen again and proceeded
without incident. At 0440 a shadowing aircraft was
sighted and from 0847 till late afternoon
intermittent bombing attacks were carried out on
remainder. Estimated 63 machines employed. Junkers
87 and 88 types.
BISON
was
hit and sunk at about 1200 and AFRIDI hit and sunk
about 1445.
SOUTHAMPTON
joined me at 1655 and at 1657 the Sunderland
flying boat, which had been expected since 1340,
arrived.
Shadowed by German aircraft until 2000.
Passed
convoy
F.P. 3 at 2230 steering to Northward.
Saturday
4th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
with force for Operation KLAXON, proceeding to
Scapa.
Escort
of
Hudson Aircraft or Blenheim intermittently during
the day.
Relief
destroyer
escort joined at 1100 and IMPERIAL, GRENADE, and
GRIFFIN, who had wounded and survivors from BISON
and AFRIDI, were detached to Sullom Voe to transfer
wounded to French hospital ship SPHINX.
YORK
and her convoy arrived Scapa p.m.
Sunday
5th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
en route to Scapa.
0500.
Convoy arrived Scapa.
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron reported to
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
Monday
6th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
BERWICK
ordered
to Clyde
for Operation FORK, to transport and establish a
force of some 600 Royal Marines, under Colonel
Sturges, in Iceland.
Tuesday
7th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron visited the
Commander in Chief and suggested obtaining control
of potential air and seaplane bases in East Iceland.
BERWICK
left
Clyde
for Reykjavik.
Admiralty
message
1214, re possibility of Germans attacking Kirkenes
via Murmansk, received – DEVONSHIRE
to standby for the North.
SUFFOLK
arrived Clyde for repairs.
Wednesday
8th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE
sailed from Scapa at 1400 for North Norway
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0917/8th May)
Reported
unknown
aircraft at 1617 and 1626 – subsequently identified
by Hatston as friendly.
Air
escort
(four Hurricanes) joined t 1630.
2138.
Sighted and exchanged identities with SOMALI
(Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla) and ESCORT
escorting CHROBRY in position 60-56 degrees N, 3-28
degrees W.
Thursday
9th May 1940
1349.
Exchanged identities with JACKAL and JAVELIN
escorting two ships of N.S. 2, S.S. MASHOBRA and
CALUMET,
in position 66-09 degrees N, 00-06 degrees
E. META
with WOLVERINE 100 miles astern. BALZAC
and COXWOLD at Stornoway and Scapa.
Spoke
Finnish
PANDIA/OFBO from Antwerp to Petsamo at 1928 in
position 67-27 degrees N, 2-19 degrees E steering
051 degrees, with general cargo. Allowed her to
proceed because last port of call was the Downs,
confirmed by Lloyds
daily list and Flag Officer Commanding Northern
Patrol’s 1154/24th April, and position and course
confirmed that she had passed north of the Faroes.
2000.
Received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1229/9th May
“Proceed to Tromso for latest information.” Passed
2002/9th May to Flag Officer, Narvik, reporting no
escort.
Friday
10th May 1940
Flag
Officer,
Narvik’s 0635/9th May to Admiralty – “Rumours of
German Marines in Murmansk”.
0028.
Received Admiralty’s 2116/9th May to Flag Officer,
Narvik, on the same subject.
0817/10th
May
to Flag Officer, Narvik, repeated
Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers giving route to
Tromso.
Flag
Officer,
Narvik’s 1122/10th May detailed WESTCOTT and
VOLUNTEER to rendezvous with DEVONSHIRE
at 1800/10th May.
WESTCOTT’s
1510/10th
May received requesting rendezvous whereupon a new
rendezvous for 2045 was signaled as it was apparent
from the destroyers time
of arrival at Tromso that they could not rendezvous
as ordered at 1800.
Walrus
was
flown off as anti submarine patrol at 1940.
WESTCOTT
and
VOLUNTEER joined at 2045.
After
passing
Norwegian war vessel HEIMDAL in fjord DEVONSHIRE
anchored in Tromso at 2235. At anchor in harbour
were British S.S. CARLBURY and CYCLOPS, with ex
German ALSTER being unloaded alongside quay, the
latter having some 70 German prisoners on board.
WESTCOTT
was
fuelled from DEVONSHIRE
and relieved VOLUNTEER on anti submarine patrol off
Kraknes (69-49 degrees N, 19-03 degrees E) on
completion of oiling. VOLUNTEER, with Royal Marine
Officer, provisions and mails, sent to oil tanks at
Ramfordness (69-31-50 degrees N, 19-01-40
degrees E).
VOLUNTEER
embarked Royal Marines landed by DEVONSHIRE and
BERWICK, leaving two machine guns on its being
ascertained that Norwegian personnel were available
to man them. During the night CHARBURY and CYCLOPS
sailed for Harstad by inner lead. Conference
on board with Fylkesmann, British Consul, and
Norwegian Senior Naval Officer on the situation at
Kirkenes.
YORK
sailed Scapa for Rosyth.
Holland
and Belgium invaded.
Saturday
11th May 1940
Reported
results
of conference to Admiralty, repeated Flag Officer,
Narvik (0301/11th May).
Approved
VOLUNTEER
taking in hand repairs to kidney piece of main
bearing estimated to complete by noon and later by
1600 but eventually not completed until 2100 when
she sailed.
Embarked Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Storheill.
At
0846 sighted and reported an aircraft which made no
attempt to bomb and appeared to be a flying boat
carrying out reconnaissance. DEVONSHIRE weighted and
remained under way.
DEVONSHIRE
left
Tromso with WESTCOTT, proceeding via Soro Sund and
Rolfsoy Sund, ordering VOLUNTEER to join “with all
convenient despatch” on completion of repairs and
giving our route.
HEIMDAL,
investigating
fishing craft, was again passed at 1330.
During
the
afternoon WESTCOTT reported a hole in Anti Submarine
Dome which rendered her unable to operate Anti
Submarine Gear except at very slow speeds.
At
1457 received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2237/10th May
to DEVONSHIRE ordering CHARLBURY and CYCLOPS to be
sent to Harstad by inner lead.
Norwegian
float
plane, flying over Soro Sound, who identified
herself correctly, was sighted about 1800.
Sunday
18th May 1940
DEVONSHIRE
catapulted
her aircraft at 1100 to examine Boks, Kjo, and Jar
Fjords and to maintain anti submarine patrol off
entrance until 1400.
DEVONSHIRE
anchored
in Kirkenes at 1215. WESTCOTT
maintaining anti submarine patrol in Kors Fjord.
VOLUNTEER
arrived
at 1630 and relieved WESTCOTT on anti submarine
patrol after disembarking Royal Marines.
Later ordered WESTCOTT to relieve VOLUNTEER on
patrol and VOLUNTEER alongside DEVONSHIRE for repairs and oil.
Shortly
after
DEVONSHIRE’s arrival at Kirkenes I held a conference
on board attended by Colonel Lieutenant Os; his
Chief of Staff, Captain Martinse; Director
Thorhildrud, A/S Syvarangers, Iron Ore Company; and
the Harbour Master, Captain Norby; and discussed the
East Finmark situation, afterwards visiting the
defence positions with Colonel Os.
On
return
made preliminary report to Flag Officer, Narvik, on
situation and requested further instructions
(1827/12th May). I subsequently decided to withhold
my amplifying report owing to W/T congestion and
embodied it instead in a letter, 1st C.S. 086 of
12th May, to the Flag Officer, Narvik.
BERWICK
arrived
Liverpool
to refit.
Monday
13th May 1940
After
relief
by VOLUNTEER on Anti Submarine Patrol WESTCOTT oiled
from DEVONSHIRE and embarked Liaison Officer.
0900.
DEVONSHIRE left Kirkenes with WESTCOTT and
VOLUNTEER; I having previously furnished both ships
with copies of report on Kirkenes for transmission
to Flag Officer, Narvik, at first opportunity.
1030.
DEVONSHIRE closed Vadso and Vado with the object of
showing the flag, subsequently shaping course for
Nord Cap.
Merchant
ship
on opposite course was sighted in position 70-34
degrees N, 30-39 degrees E and identified as Finnish
PANDIA/OFBO, previously examined on 9th May.
1600.
Reported position, course, and speed to Flag
Officer, Narvik, and requested instructions
(1600/13th May).
Commander
in
Chief’s 2249/13th May ordered WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER
to be sent to join Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers’
screen. DEVONSHIRE continued on present course and
speed to join Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers in
position signaled by Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers
for 1400/14th May in his 1913/13th May.
Tuesday
14th May 1940
Commander
in
Chief’s 0007/14th May directing DEVONSHIRE to remain
in North for the present.
Admiralty’s
0059/14
directing Flag Officer, Narvik, to retain DEVONSHIRE
and requesting the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
to give directions for destroyer screen, received at
0506/14th May.
At
0556 received the Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers
0125/14th May giving rendezvous for 1400 in position
70-40 degrees N, 16 degrees E (same as in his
1913/13).
Reported
to
Flag Officer, Narvik, that his 1059/13th May,
referred to in Admiralty’s 0059/14th May, had not
been received (0750/14th May).
At
0759 reported intentions and fuel remaining to Flag
Officer, Narvik, and Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers
(cleared at approximately 1100) Admiralty and
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
DEVONSHIRE
accordingly
re embarked Liaison Officer from WESTCOTT at 1000.
Since
entering
extreme northern waters continued W/T difficulty had
been experienced. I reported this at 1234/14th May
and following are general remarks.
Experience
confirms
that Norwegian mountains near the ship, or at any
point of reflection, may attenuate a
H/F wave very severely. It is therefore necessary
when communicating with the United Kingdom to use as
high a frequency as possible to reduce the number of
skips to a minimum. The choice of a wave is made
more difficult by the widely different states of
ionization in 52 degrees and 71 degrees N at this
time of year.
The
following
are examples of conditions in the approximate
latitude 71 degrees North.
(a).
On a bearing from Whitehall
of conditions in the approximate latitude 71 degrees
North.
12,685
Kc/s R7 both ways in daytime, falling off slightly
in the early afternoon.
(b). At Tromso
12,685 Kc/s no use by
day
15,555 Kc/s not used
successfully but B.B.C. received well on 15 Mc/s.
8290
Kc/s satisfactory by night.
(c). At Kirkenes
12,685 Kc/S and 15,555 Kc/s no
use.
B.B.C. received well on 19 mc/s.
Malta R7 on 11,200 Kc/s.
It was intended to try and communicate through GYZ
if essential.
8290
kc/s satisfactory round about midnight.
At Kirkenes the use of a
link appears essential. Nothing could be heard of
ships in the Narvik area on 3700 Kc/s and direct day
routines to Harstad were therefore proposed on 8290
kc/s, which it is believed would cover the distance
(300 miles) in approximately one skip.
(d). L/F at Kirkenes
Rugby
good strength at 16 kc/s.
51.5 kc/s readable but
liable to be jambed by atmospherics, etc. and
therefore messages were needed twice through.
138
kc/s only just audible and seldom readable.
At
1253 met ARK ROYAL with destroyer screen in position
70-53 degrees N, 15-47 degrees E steering a
southerly course.
Detached WESTCOTT and VOLUNTEER to join the Vice
Admiral Commanding Aircraft Carriers.
At
1335 CURLEW was identified to the Southward steering
a Northerly course to effect
a rendezvous with the Vice Admiral Commanding
Aircraft Carriers.
Course
was
altered to 080 degrees at 1400 in order to carry out
intentions signaled in my 0759/14th May, but at 1612
I received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0920/14th May
directing DEVONSHIRE to proceed to Tromso and keep
in touch with the situation there.
Informed Flag Officer, Narvik, that I considered
Anti Submarine Screen essential.
Wednesday
15th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
proceeding Tromso.
DEVONSHIRE
flew
off Walrus for Anti Submarine Patrol in Fjords and
on passing Norwegian war vessel HEIMDAL asked her to
patrol off Kraknes until arrival of anti submarine
trawlers.
DEVONSHIRE
arrived at Tromso at 0150 and started fuelling from
lighter.
Norwegian
hospital
ship ARIADNE and German prize ALSTER in harbour.
ENTERPRISE
arrived at noon
and anti submarine trawlers ELLESMERE and ULLSWATER
at 2300. One trawler was ordered to maintain anti
submarine patrol, under way, to North of anchorage,
the other to anchor one cable 030 degrees from
Northern Buoy off Tromso breakwater maintaining anti
submarine watch.
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
16th May – 31st May 1940
Thursday
16th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
0600.
Sighted one Blom and Voss which did not come close
enough to be engaged.
At
0700 I sent DEVONSHIRE’s
Walrus to Harstad with my Staff Officer (Operations)
and despatches for Flag Officer, Narvik. Returned
p.m.
1200.
Three Heinkel III’s sighted,
circled ships but did not attack, finally
disappearing to the southwest. Possibly
troop carriers? Reported
same (2103/16th May).
During
the
forenoon I called on Kontreadmiral Diesen, the
Norwegian Commander in Chief, and later Kapitan
Heindrikson, Norwegian Senior Submarine Officer,
came to see me.
I
discussed the question of a possible German attack
in East or West Finmark and agreed to establish Submarine Surface
patrols.
(a).
Between Longitude 25-48 degrees and 29-00 degrees E
keeping south of latitude 71-15 degrees N to be
carried out by H.M.S. TRUANT when she arrived.
(b). to the westward of
a line joining the following points:
A.
70-23N
B.
70-07N
C. 70-00N
31-25E
31-23E
30-45E
And thence 180 degrees to Norwegian coast.
To
be carried out by Norwegian submarine B 1 then at
Tromso, B 3 in Harstad area, and possibly B 6 if she
could be got back from England.
It
was also arranged that a small submarine base should
be established at Varda with Captain Hendrickson in
charge and I asked Admiralty to send an ex submarine
Captain as Liaison Officer.
DEVONSHIRE
completed
to 75% fuel.
Asked Admiralty to allocate call Sign to ALSTER
(1501/16 May).
Received
Admiralty
Message 1546/16 May re delay in opening of White Sea Canal.
Informed Admiralty, Flag Officer Narvik, and the
Commander in Chief Home Fleet of my proposals for
Submarine Patrol off Finmark
Coast (2242/16 May).
Flag of the Flag Officer Narvik to shore –
Harstad.
Friday
17th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
Prize
ship
ALSTER sailed for Kirkenes at 2000 to load iron ore
escorted by ULLSWATER.
Received
Admiralty’s
1726/17 May requesting information re Maalsnes Pier
and routes to Bardufoss Aerodrome.
2332.
Received report from shore authorities of submarine
in position 69-32 degrees N, 18-13 degrees E
approaching Rystramen. DEVONSHIRE flew off Walrus
for search and patrol of adjacent fjords and sent
motor boat to patrol to southward of anchorage with
depth charges. No further substantiation.
EFFINGHAM
grounded
1951 – total loss.
Mails
for
YORK
ordered to Scapa.
Saturday
18th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
ENTERPRISE
ordered to arrive
Harstad at 1600 and sailed accordingly.
Replied
to
Admiralty Message 1726/17 (0247/18).
One
Heinkel
III was sighted at 0049 reconnoitering Tromso until
0016 when was lost sight of but at 0140 report was
received from shore that Heinkel was engaging
DEVONSHIRE’s Walrus and some minutes later that
Walrus appeared to have landed and that telephone
station had been asked to send boat position 69-32
degrees N, 18-10 degrees E.
I
requested Norwegian authorities to send Norwegian
Heinkel to assist.
At
0512 Norwegian patrol vessel arrived in Tromso with
Observer Midshipman Corkhill, slightly injured, and
Telegraphist Air Gunner, Naval Airman 1st William
Henry Hill, FAA/F 55056, who died of injuries
shortly afterwards. Walrus had been shot down by
Heinkel and sank. The pilot, Lieutenant R.W. Benson
Dare, R.N. was not recovered.
Learned from shore authorities that Heinkel also
sunk small Norwegian vessel SIRIUS.
I
reported the loss of DEVONSHIRE’s
Walrus
to Flag Officer, Narvik, and asked for a
replacement.
As
DEVONSHIRE appeared to be likely to remain in
Northern Waters for some time I asked the Flag
Officer Commanding, Orkneys and Shetlands, to send
mails to this area.
Informed
by
the Flag Officer, Narvik, (1118/18th May) that
TRUANT had been diverted to Tromso.
At
1930 an air raid warning was given ashore but no
aircraft sighted. H.M. Charge d’Affaires, Mr.
Lascelles, and Rear Admiral Hector Boyes, Naval
Attache, who had come to meet H.M. Minister due in
ENTERPRISE, visited me and discussed the general
situation in Norway.
A
signal from the Naval Attache was passed to the
Director of Naval Intelligence giving estimate of
German air losses in Norway (2301).
At
2400 ENTERPRISE returned with Sir Cecil Dormer,
British Minister to Norway, General Marion, visiting
Norway on behalf of General Gamelin, Colonel Vigne,
French Military Attache, Colonel Pollack, Liaison
Officer to Norwegian Army, and Flight Lieutenant G.
Aschan, British Assistant Air Attache to Sweden. The
latter wished to proceed with despatch to Stockholm
as early as possible and I arranged for him to be
flown to Kirkenes the following day in a Norwegian
seaplane and proceed thence via Finland. He
forwarded a valuable report on the situation from
Kirkenes to Colonel Pollack.
Sunday
19th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
0915.
The Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
called on the British Minister in ENTERPRISE
before he landed.
Colonel
Vigne
and Colonel Pollack visited me and the whole
strategic situation in the North was discussed. Both
agreed with my opinion that a large scale invasion
could not be countered with anything less than such
an increase in our forces as could not be
contemplated, but that two or three battalions
disposed in self contained units in West and East
Finmark in co operation with troops already in West
Finmark should be adequate to ensure against
successful attack by parachute landings.
Colonel
Pollack
reported on these lines to the British Headquarters,
Narvik, at once, and Colonel Vigne promised to
impress the matter on Colonel Otto Rugg, Norwegian
Commander in Chief.
ALSTER
informed
me loading could not be completed until 22nd May and
I accordingly approved of her staying at Kirkenes
until that date to complete full stowage of 10,000
tons of iron ore.
Made arrangements with local authorities for
camouflaging of Fuel Tanks ashore.
Monday
20th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
Informed
Flag
Officer, Narvik, ALSTER expected to arrive at
Harstad p.m. 24th May.
Rear
Admiral,
Narvik, allocated GLASGOW’s Walrus to DEVONSHIRE>
At
0430 and 0714 air raid warnings were given ashore –
no aircraft sighted.
TRUANT
arrived at 0800 and refuelled alongside DEVONSHIRE
with local diesel oil which had been placed in a
specially prepared tank. Unfortunately, this oil
subsequently proved unsuitable for submarines.
1321.
At the request of the Norwegian Commander in Chief I
informed Rear Admiral, Narvik, that the Norwegian
submarine B 3 awaited escort to Tromso.
At
1700 a Walrus arrived with despatches from the Flag
Officer, Narvik.
Sailed
TRUANT
at 1800 to patrol between 25-48 degrees East and
29-00 degrees E to southward of Latitude 71-15
degrees North until 3rd June.
Tuesday
21st May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
I
learnt from Navy Office that a British aircraft had
crashed at Torakem and four of the crew were
being sent to Harstad (probably carrier aircraft
being flown ashore to Bardufoss).
Gave (n.b in ink.” by telephone message in
NYKO”) a route to ALSTER intended to take
her clear of TRUANT’s patrol and ordered her to
report her expected time of arrival at Harstad
before sailing (1229/21st).
At
request
of the British Vice Consul I asked Admiralty for
confirmation that the Government accepted liability
for ALSTER’s cargo.
At
1600 anti submarine THIRLMERE escorting the
Norwegian submarine B 3, arrived to join my force
and the replaced Walrus, ex GLASGOW, for DEVONSHIRE
also arrived. The latter had taxied the last 12
miles owing to low clouds and magneto trouble.
THIRLMERE brought a small mail, one officer, and six
ratings for DEVONSHIRE.
Owing
to faulty W/T reception a signal of 19th May from
the Flag Officer, Narvik, asking that H.M. Minister
might arrange for himself and General Auchinleck,
the G.O.C., to see His Majesty the King of Norway on
the 22nd or 23rd May, was unfortunately not received
until late on this day.
Colonel
Otto
Rugg, Norwegian Commander in Chief, arrived in
Tromso.
Norwegian
gunboat
NORDKAPP arrived at 1730.
Received Flag Officer, Narvik’s instructions for
ENTERPRISE to proceed to England shortly and to embark some 19 tons of Norwegian
Government gold then at Tromso.
Admiralty
confirmed
that ALSTER’s cargo was covered (1914/21).
Wednesday
22nd May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
Bullion
was
embarked in ENTERPRISE
by 0400.
At
this date stocks of oil fuel at Ramsfjordnes Depot,
Tromso, were
No. 1
Tank 3210
tons
No. 2
Tank 590
tons
No. 3
Tank 735
tons
Flag
Officer
Narvik arrived by Walrus to see me at 1630 and
returned to Harstad about 1900.
On
receipt
of message from H.M. Minister, I informed Flag
Officer, Narvik that interview with His Majesty had
been arranged from 1630 23rd May 1940.
ALSTER
sailed
from Kirkenes and reported expected time of arrival
at Harstad as 1900 24th May.
A
little difficulty was experienced this day with an
unidentified Walrus Aircraft which landed at Tromso
without warning, it later proved to have
satisfactory identity but had taken off without
challenge for the day. I was unaware that any Naval
Aircraft or indeed any British personnel were at
Banak when I was informed by Norwegian authorities
this aircraft had come.
Thursday
23rd May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
Admiralty’s
Message
0316/23 amending opening date of Baltic – White Sea Canal
to 23rd May 1940
was received.
Asked Rear Admiral Narvik that ULLSWATER might
collect mails and return to Tromso after arrival
at Harstad with ALSTER.
At
1219 received TRUANT’s 1010 23rd May reporting large
merchant ship probably escorted. I at once realised
that despite my route, owing to the abnormal
visibility (18 miles), TRUANT had probably sighted
and might attack ALSTER of whose presence she was
not aware. Every effort was made to acquaint TRUANT
of the situation but without success before she made
an unsuccessful attack at 1441.
This
incident
has been fully reported to Rear Admiral (S), the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, and the Flag
Officer, Narvik, in my 1st C.S. w. 41/1 of
1st June 1940.
Communication
except
in P/L between TRUANT, ALSTER, and escorting
trawlers and Norwegian submarines present great
difficulty as the following books only were held by
each:
Vice Admiral Commanding,
First Cruiser Squadron and TRUANT only - General
Cypher with Special Submarine Tables.
Vice Admiral Commanding,
First Cruiser Squadron and ALSTER only – Syko
Machine lent from DEVONSHIRE.
Vice Admiral Commanding,
First Cruiser Squadron the escorting trawlers only –
Auxiliary Code
Vice
Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron and
Norwegian submarines – A special Norwegian code.
Air
raid warning at 1400 DEVONSHIRE
sighted one Heinkel III also British Walrus.
Gladiator but did not open fire.
I
informed Flag Officer, Narvik,
that ENTERPRISE would have to call at
Harstad for fuel.
Norwegian
submarine
B 3 sailed for Finmark patrol, as arranged with
Norwegian authorities, with Captain Hendrickson on
board, who intended to establish a small submarine
base at Varda. I warned ALSTER and ULLSWATER that
she might be encountered and warned TRUANT that B 3
would pass through her patrol area a.m. 24th May.
At
1950 DEVONSHIRE was attacked very suddenly by one
Junkers 89 (n.b. inked out – Fokker Wolf Condor
written in) which dropped four bombs – two off
the forecastle, two off the quarter deck, starboard
side, all about 30 feet. Ship was badly shaken but
no damage. Aircraft approached from astern at about
13,000 feet and was engaged by 4 inch armament,
finally disappearing to the Southwest.
Lord
Cork
arrived by air and I accompanied him to interview
the Norwegian Foreign Minister. He arrived in
DEVONSHIRE
just after the attack mentioned above and returned
to Harstad, by air, about 2200.
ENTERPRISE for Harstad at 2230.
At
2326 THIRLMERE reported defects in A/S gear, was
relieved on North Patrol by ELLESMERE and repairs
carried out by DEVONSHIRE.
On
this day I received Admiralty message 0316 which
appeared to eliminate the necessity for the presence
of DEVONSHIRE
in the North and as I had seen Lord Cork I decided
to go to Kirkenes to investigate before finally
suggesting withdrawal.
Friday
24th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso and on passage to Kirkenes.
ALSTER
passed
Tromso at 0330 on the way to Harstad.
There
was
an air raid warning ashore at 0815 but no aircraft
sighted.
I
send Brigadier Fraser to Harstad by Walrus, he
having missed ENTERPRISE.
At
1129 endeavoured to call TRUANT to warn her
DEVONSHIRE would pass through her patrol, but did
not succeed until 2240.
Colonel
Graham,
the Base Commandant sailed.
DEVONSHIRE
sailed at 1250.
At
2352, instructed TRUANT to close to V/S distance,
giving her DEVONSHIRE’s position, course, and speed,
and warned her that her patrol might be discontinued
shortly. Ascertained she fired two torpedoes at
ALSTER, and that no depth charges were dropped by
ULLSWATER.
TRUANT
reported
oil fuel supplied by DEVONSHIRE (ex Tromso) would be
unserviceable for that class of submarine for long
periods.
Warned
TRUANT
Norwegian FRIEDHOF NANSEN operating in vicinity of
her patrols, DEVONSHIRE would pass westbound about
0400/26 and that date of B 1 leaving Tromso was
uncertain.
Saturday
25th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea and at Kirkenes.
Parted company with TRUANT at 0200.
At
0749 DEVONSHIRE spoke Finnish MATHILDA THORDEN /OFDC
from New York to Petsamo. Position 70-55
degrees North, 30-37
degrees East, course 130 degrees. Allowed
her to proceed in accordance with Admiralty’s
1810/13/5.
Captain
Hendrickson,
who had come over from Varda, came to see me.
At
1600 I went ashore to see Colonel Lieutenant Os and
discuss the local situation with him. I was
surprised and rather mystified to learn that he had
received information from the Military Authorities
at Harstad to the effect that attack from the
direction of Murmansk was, if anything, even more
probable. I accordingly informed Flag Officer,
Narvik (my 1854/25) and decided to remain in the
vicinity for the present and sailed in DEVONSHIRE at
2030.
ULLSWATER
and
ALSTER arrived Harstad
at 1620.
At
1930 DEVONSHIRE sighted two unidentified aircraft
which were probably a Russian patrol on the Finnish
boarder.
ULLSWATER to sail for Hammerfest with mails and provisions for DEVONSHIRE.
SUSSEX
arrived Scapa this day.
Sunday 26th May
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Hammerfest.
I
received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0100/26 ordered
TRUANT to be send to Harstad with one trawler, and
accordingly ordered her to close to V/S distance and
proceed to Hammerfest with DEVONSHIRE.
DEVONSHIRE
anchored
in Hammerfest
at 1650 when ULLSWATER was met and some two weeks mail
were received.
TRUANT
sailed
at 1900 in company with ULLSWATER and DEVONSHIRE at
1930 to patrol off Nord Kap.
Monday
27th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
0930.
Requested reply to Vice Admiral Commanding First
Cruiser Squadron’s 1854/25th May.
At
1023 I received reply to 1854/25th May but no
definite instructions for movements or future
employment of DEVONSHIRE and decided to sail for
Tromso at 1330 adjusting course and speed to arrive
there at 0600/28th May. At 1730 I was further
mystified by the receipt of Admiralty Message
1550/27 suggesting that DEVONSHIRE may be required
for special mission in the North. Still without
definite instructions, I kept to my decision to
return to Tromso.
At
1920, I replied to Admiralty Message 1550/27 by
reporting my intentions and my expected time of
arrival at Tromso.
Tuesday
28th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
At
0600 DEVONSHIRE anchored in Tromso and the Navy
Office informed us that three German planes flew
over Tromso, without bombing, on 27th May (probably
on the way to Bardufoss) but otherwise no enemy
aircraft had been sighted in our absence from the
port.
At
1725 I landed for an interview with the Norwegian
Foreign Minister and Minister of Defence.
At
2130 I ordered THIRLMERE to proceed north to
Hammerfest.
Friday
29th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso and at sea.
Having
received
no instructions and considering as I did that
remaining in Tromso constituted an unjustifiable
risk from bombing attacks, DEVONSHIRE took in 720
tons of fuel, weighted and proceed to Northward. At
0057, I signaled my intentions to cruise off Nordkap
pending employment indicated in Admiralty Message
1550/27.
Throughout
the
day DEVONSHIRE
remained cruising to the Northward of Nordkap
keeping to the westward in order to facilitate W/T
reception.
Thursday
30th May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
DEVONSHIRE
cruised to the North and Westward of Nordkap.
P.M. I learnt from Captain
Heindricks that B 3 was leaving patrol in Varanger
Fjord and proceeding to Tromso. I at once warned
THIRLMERE at Hammerfest.
Friday
31st May 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea and at Hammerfest.
At
0845 DEVONSHIRE anchored in Hammerfest
and flew off Walrus aircraft to carry out A/S Patrol
of adjacent fiords.
At
1210 I learnt from the Consul at Tromso, in reply to
my request for information, that on the 30th May the
Power Station at Skarsfjord in Ringavassoy, and
Norwegian gunboat HEIMDAL were bombed and three
bombs were dropped in the harbour, but no damage was
done.
At
1301, I indicated the whereabouts of DEVONSHIRE to
Flag Officer Narvik as ordered in his 1107/31.
Receipt
of
Admiralty’s 1246/31 to Flag Officer Narvik re
opening of Baltic – White Sea Canal
and movements of Russian troops southward from
Finnish Border appeared again to ease the situation
in the North.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
14/06
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
1st June – 15th June 1940
Saturday
1st June 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in DEVONSHIRE at
Hammerfest
On
receipt
of the Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0848/1st June ordering
DEVONSHIRE to Tromso I sailed from Hammerfest and
also ordered THIRLMERE to Tromso.
From
the study of northward bound movements of convoys
and of H.M. ships it was evident, but of what nature
I had no knowledge except that DEVONSHIRE was
required to remain in the north for a special
mission (Admiralty message 1550/27th
May).
During
the
afternoon I learnt that B 1 had left Tromso at 1400
for Varda and that B 3 had left Tromso at 1600 to
the southward, destination not known.
B
1 was later met in East entrance to Grotsund.
DEVONSHIRE
arrived at Tromso 2030.
Rear
Admiral
Boyes, the Naval Attache, came on board to see me at
once, accompanied by Captain Denham, R.N., the newly
appointed Attache to Sweden. The latter proceeded to
Kirkenes the next day in a fishing craft en route to
Stockholm, taking with him a letter of introduction,
to Colonel Lieutenant Os.
Admiral
Boyes
informed me that evacuation of Norway was imminent
and that he thought the Government and King would
also leave.
H.M.
Minister
was at that moment with the King and would not
return until a later house but wished to see me next
morning.
I
could then piece together that the intercepted
information at my disposal and arrived at the
conclusion that evacuation would probably be
completed on Thursday, 6th or Friday, 7th June.
Sunday
2nd June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
At
0030 THIRLMERE arrived, oiled, watered, and took up
southern anti submarine patrol.
At
0301/2nd
June I received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2201/1
requesting me to confer with H.M. Minister on coming
events of a most confidential nature. An interview
had already been arranged for 1000.
Accompanied
by
my Secretary I saw H.M. Minister at 1000 and he gave
full details of H.M. Government’s intention to
evacuate Norway and of the Moweinkel proposals for
the Swedish occupation of the Narvik area.
He
informed
me that only H.M. the King and his immediate retinue
were aware of our intentions to evacuate and that so
far he had been unable to persuade either him or the
Crown Prince to leave should the Swedish proposals
not become effective. He was, however, seeing the
King again that day. The Norwegian Government had
not been informed of the evacuation as the necessity
for preserving secrecy was paramount if the safety
of H.M. the King was to be assured.
DEVONSHIRE
took in 680 tons of fuel this day.
At
1330 correspondence arrived from the Flag Office,
Narvik, giving details of evacuation of the Narvik
area which, after applying a correction received by
W/T, I then knew would complete at 0300 on 8th June.
Lord
Cork
also informed me that DEVONSHIRE was to be at the
disposal of H.M. the King to take him to England and
that the evacuation of troops at Tromso was also to
be carried out if possible.
I
decided that Base Commandant, Colonel Graham, must
be informed of this latter forthwith, and
accordingly sent for him at 1500 and found that he
was already aware of the possibility of evacuation.
After
discussion
with Base Commandant, I decided that as many
military as could be spared, i.e. all not required
to man the Anti aircraft batteries recently
installed, would be embarked in DEVONSHIRE as soon
as possible and DEVONSHIRE would proceed to sea as
if transferring troops to some other port in order
not to advertise her presence in the neighbourhood.
The
remainder
of troops and such Government officials as it was
required to evacuate could then be embarked
altogether in the shortest time with the minimum of
publicity.
I
again saw H.M. Minister at 2100 who then informed me
that if the Moweinkel proposals were not accepted,
H.M. the King and Crown Prince and most members of
the Government would require evacuation. The Foreign
Minister had been informed of prospect of the
evacuation and was flying to Sweden the following
day to discuss Moweinkel proposals and he, the
Minister, hoped to get a decision by a.m. 4th June.
I
informed H.M. Minister of my intentions for
evacuation and pressed for it to take place as early
as possible. He was in full agreement and also with
the necessity for not drawing attention to Tromso by
the continued presence of DEVONSHIRE.
The
evening
of Friday, 7th June, was agreed on as the last
practicable date, Thursday, 6th June, as the
probable date, and Tuesday and Wednesday, 4th and
5th June, as possible dates.
I
drafted orders accordingly and issued sealed copies
to necessary ships and authorities with instructions
not to open them until further orders. I informed
the Flag Officer, Narvik, fully of my intentions.
I
arranged a simple code by which H.M. Minister could
inform me daily of the progress of events.
Monday
3rd June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Tromso.
DEVONSHIRE
embarked
13 military officers, one Royal Air Force Flight
Lieutenant, and 153 other ranks, and sailed at 1730
to the Northward.
Tuesday
4th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
Closed
land
to be within six hours steaming of Tromso until I
received a message from H.M. Minister to the effect
that the evacuation would not take place
that night.
At
1900 on receipt of Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1014/4 to
the effect that he would prefer evacuation deferred
to the night of 7th I decided to return to Tromso.
Instructed
Consul
not to supply extracts from Aircraft Identification
Signals (S.P. 02292D) to Norwegians after 8th June,
inclusive, and informed Admiralty (Repeated) Flag
Officer Narvik, of dates up to which various types
of recognition signals had been supplies (1954/4/6).
Wednesday
5th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
Weather misty with drizzle.
At
0900 DEVONSHIRE anchored in Tromso keeping soldiers
below decks. Kept one anti
submarine trawler on patrol to Northward of
anchorage.
A
convoy consisting of YEWMOUNT, petrol carrier,
NGAKOA, and ARBROATH (A.S.I.S.) at anchor in
harbour.
DEVONSHIRE
supplied
convoy with necessary charts and provisions urgently
required and sailing orders to be complied with when
ordered by Senior Naval Officer (Consul).
I
landed at 1000 but was unable to see H.M. Minister
until 1700 when he returned from visiting H.M. the
King.
I
was, however, put au fait with the situation at the
Ministry, and spent the day in completing plans for
evacuation, still preserving the closest secrecy.
On
H.M. Minister’s return I told him of Lord Cork’s
desire to defer evacuation until 7th June. He agreed
with all my plans and arranged to give only some
four hours notice of evacuation.
I
sailed in DEVONSHIRE
again to the Northward at 2000 leaving my Secretary
as Liaison Officer with Ministry, Base Commandant,
and British Military Mission.
RENOWN,
REPULSE,
NEWCASTLE, SUSSEX, and five destroyers to sea from
Scapa to intercept two unknown ships reported by
R.F.A. PRUNELLA in position 64-40 degrees North,
00-10 degrees East at 1130/5th steering to westward
at 20 knots. Northern Patrol ordered to steer to
Westward.
Thursday
6th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron,
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
I
received news from Liaison Officer, Tromso, that
there were no changes in situation and that
DEVONSHIRE
could cope with the probable number to be evacuated.
Northern
Patrol
resumed normal patrols, battlecruiser having reached
a covering position.
At
1412 CARINTHIA was torpedoed in position 55-13
degrees North, 10-39
degrees West.
I
received instructions from Flag Officer, Narvik, to
use every influence with Admiral Diesen to send
submarines B 1 and B 3 to England, or if unwilling
to do this, to have them destroyed, and shortly
afterwards a message from Liaison Officer to the
effect that this matter has been dealt with.
I
later learned that my Liaison Officer had received a
personal guarantee to this effect from Admiral
Diesen in the presence of the Naval Attache and had
so informed Lord Cork.
At
2355 I received a message from my liaison officer to
the effect that evacuation was now practically
certain, that arrangements had been made to embark
14 tons of bullion and that present weather at
Tromso was unfavourable for enemy air activity.
The
bullion
subsequently proved to be nonexistent. He informed
me later that B 3 was due Tromso from Southward at
0500 on 7th June. I considered the possibility of
this movement not having been reported to the Flag
Officer, Narvik, and that submarine reported to
Westward of Topsundet in Flag Officer, Narvik’s
1433/6th June and 1810/6th might have been B 3. In
view of her proximity to Tromso I decided not to
break W/T silence. At 1108/7th June Rear Admiral,
Narvik’s 2116/6th June was received reporting this
movement.
Friday
7th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
At
0208 I learnt that Group I Narvik Convoy was sailing
at 0300/7th June escorted by VINDICTIVE and an anti
submarine screen.
0302
received
Flag Officer, Narvik’s 2230/6th re officers being
sent from the United Kingdom to confer with
Norwegian General Ruge at Tromso, but could take no
action at this late stage (n.b. pen addition
“beyond informing Norwegian Naval Authorities.”)
At
0330 large numbers of aircraft reported off Narvik
and Harstad but no reports of bombing.
At
0643 received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 0052/7th
allocating two “V” class destroyers to DEVONSHIRE
for passage to the United Kingdom after their ferry
duties.
For
reasons
given in my 0954/7th, I decided not to wait for
these destroyers. In this signal I gave intended
route and speed of advance, requested anti submarine
screen to meet DEVONSHIRE and asked for final
destination of DEVONSHIRE. I selected this route in
order to keep outside a distance of 400 miles from
Mo, Trondheim, and Stavanger until within air
supporting distance of Shetlands and also to
utilize, in the later stages, the cover provided by
the battle cruisers and VALIANT.
At
1411 received Admiralty’s 1300/7th June concerning
rumours of German landing on east coast of Iceland.
Vice Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron told
to investigate taking Armed Merchant Cruisers under
his orders.
At
1650 received reports of enemy air activity in
Narvik – Harstad area, Ballangen being bombed at
1721. This was the first report of enemy bombing
since the start of Operation ALPHABET.
1730.
Ran into rain showers and low cloud 20 miles from
Tromso.
1800.
Passed YEWMOUNT, NGAKOA, and ARBROATH on their way
homewards 8 miles from Tromso. They had been sailed
in company at 1700 for Scapa.
At
1830 anchored in Tromso and found passengers
assembled in trawlers ELLESMERE and THIRLMERE as
arranged and already lying off.
Embarkation
was
rapidly completed and at 1950 H.M. the King and
Crown Prince embarked and DEVONSHIRE sailed from
Tromso at 2030.
The
following
were embarked.
His Majesty the King of Norway
His Highness the Crown Prince
Three Equerries
H.M. Minister
French Minister
Polish Minister and 19 members of Corps
Diplomatique
Prime
Minister and 10 Norwegian Ministers
Their Staffs and Families.
Total 55
24 Norwegian Air Force
15 political refugees
33 British Officers and some 306 other ranks
Total: 435 men and 26
women.
Amended orders for anti submarine trawlers to
enable them to pick up a convoy of Norwegian
merchant ships before overtaking YEWMOUNT’s
convoy.
This
was done at the request of Captain Hovdenac, Royal
Norwegian Navy, who intended himself to fly to
collect and to sail with this convoy in PRINCE OLAV.
Trawlers sailed on completion of embarkation at
2000. Advised all Norwegian
warships and Heinkel seaplanes bound for the
United Kingdom to make Thorshavn in the first instance.
2147.
Passed YEWMOUNT’s convoy.
Saturday
8th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
At
0901 reported embarkation of passengers, route,
convoy route, and advice given to Norwegian warships
and aircraft to Admiralty, Flag Officer, Narvik,
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, repeated Vice
Admiral Aircraft Carriers and Vice Admiral
Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron in signal times
0001/8th June. This signal took nine hours to pass.
At
0902, having heard that trawlers waited off Karlsoy
(70 degrees North, 20 degrees East) for Norwegian
convoy until 0045, at which time in accordance with
my instructions they sailed to overtake British
convoy, reported to Flag Officer, Narvik, repeated
Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers, Admiralty, and
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, and suggested that
any available escort would be of value (0803//8). He
detached WALKER and CAMPBELL for this duty at
1924/8th June.
At
1000 passed through position 71 degrees North, 7
degrees East and altered course to 225 degrees for
next position on the route (68 degrees North, 4
degrees East) speed of advance 27 knots.
At
1730 DEVONSHIRE intercepted a barely readable signal
from GLORIOUS to Vice Admiral Aircraft Carriers
timed 1640 which subsequent events have proved
probably an amplifying report identifying two pocket
battleships.
As
by 1930, in spite of extra look out being kept on
all frequencies, there was no indication to confirm
the doubtful enemy report intercepted from GLORIOUS,
reduced to 26 knots to conserve fuel. (Speed of
advance 24 knots).
At
2039 received Flag Officer, Narvik’s 1132/8th
detaching VANOC and VETERAN to wait for DEVONSHIRE
from 2000/9th June in position 60-50 degrees North,
5 degrees West. Later, at 0012/9th June, I received
VETERAN’s 0001/9th giving her intention of
proceeding direct to Scapa owing to lack of fuel.
At
2049 received VALIANT’s 1928/8th June giving her
intended movements (turning to the North at 2130/8)
At
2135 in position 57 degrees North,
4 degrees west altered to 186 degrees.
Sunday
9th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
0055.
SUSSEX and NEWCASTLE ordered to patrol off Ireland
53 degrees North, 13
degrees West to intercept German merchant ships with
troops possibly making for Eire.
At
0200 I decided to break W/T silence.
(a). to pass my 2129/8th
June giving position, course, and speed at 0400/9th
June, requesting air escort and asking when
destroyer escort might be expected.
(b). to order WALKER and
CAMPBELL to escort Norwegian convoy from Tromso if
trawlers had made contact with the British convoy.
At
0544 DEVONSHIRE sighted and reported a shadowing
aircraft, Heinkel 115. This aircraft in the first
instance repeated the challenge letter which had
been flashed to her as has previously occurred and
later closed and again flashed this letter in an
attempt, presumably, to obtain the “reply”
Aircraft
was
engaged with 4 inch armament and disappeared.
At
0616 informed by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth,
that Sunderland detailed as air escort for
DEVONSHIRE
could not take off from Sullom Voe because of fog.
This aircraft eventually left Sullom Voe at 1240 but
never made contact.
At
0705 heard enemy aircraft call sign 47H tuning and
subsequently making “A’s” on 467 Kc/s some
considerable distance away.
At
0735 VETERAN reported being bombed and shortly
afterwards, the D/F bearing of aircraft 47H, who was
still making “A’s”, was 040 degrees which was
approximately the calculated bearing of VETERAN,
whose distance from DEVONSHIRE was about 300 miles.
At
0712, in position 63-04 North,
5 degrees West sighted VALIANT and the Tribals
bearing 120 degrees 9 miles and at 0730 reached
position 63 degrees North, 5 degrees West and
altered course to 184 degrees.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, ordered Rear Admiral (D) at 0811
to send two destroyers to rendezvous with DEVONSHIRE
at 1500/9th June in position 59-48 degrees North,
5-45 degrees West.
At
0938 DEVONSHIRE intercepted VALIANT’s 0901/9 report
from ATLANTIS of transport attacked by an enemy
battleship and two destroyers at 0900/8 in position
67-44 degrees North, 3 -52 degrees East as a result
of which I decided to report immediately to Command
in Chief, Home Fleet, Admiralty, and Vice Admiral
Aircraft Carriers the interception of GLORIOUS
1640/8 (my 1031/9).
1007.
ESCORT and ELECTRA, presumably the destroyers
detailed to rendezvous with DEVONSHIRE at 1500/9,
were recalled to Scapa. This was confirmed on
receipt of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1117/9.
At
1045 altered course to 186 degrees – 29 knots. (speed
of advance 27 knots). Visibility
2 to 5 miles.
REPULSE,
SUSSEX, NEWCASTLE, ARK ROYAL, and VALIANT ordered to
concentrate on Group II Convoy with SOUTHAMPTON and
COVENTRY. RODENY and RENOWN to sail from Scapa at
1300/9 and steer for position 66 degrees North,
00 degrees East.
At
1438 VALIANT reported being bombed and was
apparently shadowed until dark.
At
1634 reduced speed to 20 knots owing to low
visibility and altered course as necessary to make
land.
A
meeting of the Norwegian Cabinet was held in the Gun
Room of H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at 1700. After this
meeting, H.M. the King informed me that the
Government proposed to take up their headquarters in
the West of England.
1808.
Sighted two or three seaplanes steering to the
southwards. These were the Norwegian Heinkels from
Tromso which were reported by the Commander in
Chief, Rosyth, as having left Sullom Voe at 1600/9th
June for Helensburgh.
1900.
Joined by a Lerwick Flying Boat (Minches Patrol) who
acted as anti submarine escort.
1915.
Fixed by Tiumpan Head Lighthouse and proceeded
through searched channel.
2000.
Increased to 29 knots.
2125.
Lerwick left with orders to pass by land line to
Flag Officer, Greenock, my affirmative reply to his
1344/9, and to the Commander in Chief, Rosyth,
request for relief escort at dawn.
2130.
YORK reported ready to proceed from Rosyth.
Monday
10th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea.
0200.
Passed arrival signal.
Escorting aircraft unable to take off owing to
fog.
0930.
Anchored in Clyde and immediately disembarked all
passengers, the arrangements set out in Flag Officer
Greenock’s 1344/9 having, unknown to me, been
cancelled in the interval.
I
landed at noon
and telephoned to Admiralty from the officer of the
Flag Officer, Greenock. I spoke to the Chief of
Naval Staff and after giving him details of the
evacuation and passage I represented that DEVONSHIRE
had had steam on main engines for 34 consecutive
days and we had had no leave for some two months.
Permission to grant night leave to each watch
accorded.
Tuesday
11th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Wednesday
12th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
I
visited SUFFOLK
and NORFOLK at Govan and later the Flag Officer in
Charge, Glasgow.
Thursday
13th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
P.M. I went to Rosyth by car to see
the Vice Admiral, Second in Command, Home Fleet, and
say goodbye to him (Vice Admiral Layton) as he was
leaving the Home Fleet the next day.
On
return
orders had been received for FURIOUS to embark some
470 boxes of bullion and for DEVONSHIRE
to escort her as far as 30 degrees West.
Friday
14th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
After
embarking
gold and waiting arrival of squadron of Swordfish at
Prestwick, FURIOUS sailed at 1800 with ECHO and
WITHERINGTON to embark six Swordfish off Ailsa Craig
at 1800.
DEVONSHIRE
waited until receipt of sailing instructions from
the Flag Officer, Greenock, and sailed at 2000 with
HAMPBELTON (n.b. HAMBLEDON). Orders
transferred to FURIOUS by HAMPBELTON by boat at 2300
after FURIOUS had completed embarkation of aircraft
including replacement of one aircraft which crashed
attempting to land on. Crew rescued.
Saturday
15th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in DEVONSHIRE
at sea, FURIOUS and destroyer escort in company.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
26/06
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
16th June – 30th June 1940
Sunday
16th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0100A
SUSSEX with NEWCASTLE left Scapa to establish patrol
in 59 degrees North between 16 degrees and 20
degrees West.
0445A
FURIOUS
flew off an aircraft which carried out a search and
then established a patrol along the mean line of
advance on a 25 mile front.
Air
patrol
was discontinued at 1030A on account of reduced
visibility.
France
approached
Germany for peace terms.
Monday
17th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Evacuation of British Expeditionary Force from
Western French ports.
Weather unfit for flying.
At
1100A DEVONSHIRE
parted company with FURIOUS in position 49-35
degrees North, 29-50
degrees West. Steered 060
degrees at 20 knots towards
Clyde
to keep southward of REVENGE and convoy’s route,
pending instructions.
Spoke
British
ENDICOTT/GLRG from Halifax to Glasgow with cargo of
steel and explosives at 1215A in position 49-40
degrees North, 29-30
degrees West steering approximately 065 degrees.
At
1630 W/T silence was broken in order to pass
positions, course, and speed at 1100A/17th June of
FURIOUS and DEVONSHIRE to Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet, repeated Admiral, Commander in Chief, Western
Approaches, Commander in Chief, Rosyth, and REVENGE
and at 1805A DEVONSHIRE was ordered to return to the
Clyde (Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1639/17th
June).
Later
at 1818A Admiralty’s 1658/17th June ordered
DEVONSHIRE to Halifax to escort EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA
to Iceland with Canadian reinforcements.
At
2032Z DEVONSHIRE’s signally expected time of arrival
at Halifax (1800 (zone – 4) 21st June) by FURIOUS
route and requested convoy movements, Q.J.A.
Messages, and instructions for entering Halifax to
Admiralty, Naval Staff Headquarters, Ottawa, Rear
Admiral Commanding Third Battle Squadron repeated
Command in Chief, Home Fleet, Commander in Chief,
America and West Indies, and FURIOUS.
Tuesday
18th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0954Z the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, ordered
SUSSEX and NEWCASTLE to return to Scapa with
despatch.
Low visibility and rain.
At
2100O DEVONSHIRE
altered course to 184 degrees to ensure clearing HX
50 and at 2300O altered to 222 degrees for position
E, 38-30 degrees North, 47-10 degrees West.
Wednesday
19th June 1940
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE at sea
At
0316O DEVONSHIRE received Rear Admiral Third Battle
Squadron’s 2231/18th June instructing her to
endeavour to join FURIOUS so as to arrive in company
at 0500 (zone + 4) 22nd June.
At
1956P DEVONSHIRE
received Captain of H.M. Dockyard, Halifax’s
1520/19th June re searched passage to Halifax.
FURIOUS
was
sighted at 2309P in position 38-34 degrees North,
47-54 degrees West. This was two hours (34 miles)
behind her estimated position assuming her speed of
advance to have been 17 knots since parting company
with her at 1100P/17th June.
Thursday
20th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0007/P
altered course to 288 degrees, speed 22 knots and
formed on starboard beam of FURIOUS in open order,
having ascertained that FURIOUS had sufficient fuel
to complete the passage to Halifax at this speed.
At
0107 signalled time of arrival (2000 (zone – 3) to
the Captain of H.M. Dockyard, Halifax, Rear Admiral
Third Battle Squadron, Naval Staff Headquarters,
Ottawa, repeated FURIOUS.
At
0712P intercepted Commander in Chief, American and
West Indies; 2242/19th June giving situation re French
merchant ships and warships and showing EMILE BERTIN
at Halifax.
At
0712P FURIOUS reported locating by air, during
absence of DEVONSHIRE, three British Merchant Ships
and an American Ice Patrol Cutter, NORD, of which
neither she nor I had any record.
A.M.
FURIOUS passed by V/S relevant Q.J.A. messages for
entry into Halifax extracted from G.R.O. 43.
At
1615P intercepted Commander in Chief, America and
West Indies’ 0902 re Rear Admiral Commanding Third
Battle Squadron being instructed to do all in his
power to keep EMILE BERTIN at Halifax.
At
1839P received Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle
Squadron’s 1401/20 giving arrangements for air and
A/S escorts and berths.
Friday
21st June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
dawn a strong southerly wind made FURIOUS difficult
to handle on the zig zag in her light state, so
ordered her to discontinue zig zagging and at 0550Z
(n.b. P in all other references) reduced to
19 knots.
Wind
died
down, however, about 0800.
At
1020P course was altered to 331 degrees in order to
approach Halifax on the course in Rear Admiral
Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s 1401/20.
FURIOUS
flew
off a search of five Swordfish at 1130P returning at
1330P.
At
1200P joined by Hudson Aircraft of the Royal
Canadian Air Force who acted as air escort and at
1540 by H.M.C.S. OTTAWA who acted as A/S escort.
At
1815P AURANIA was sighted in position 44-15 degrees
North, 63-07 degrees
West, proceeding to the eastward to join H.X. 52 and
at 1817P Sambro Light Vessel was sighted bearing 337
degrees.
From
signals
intercepted during the day from Canadian Naval
Authorities and from Rear Admiral Commanding, Third
Battle Squadron, it appeared clear that EMILE BERTIN
would persist in sailing and on receipt of Rear
Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s 1719/21
to DEVONSHIRE at 1839P instructing her to shadow
EMILE BERTIN, ordered DEVONSHIRE to raise steam in
all boilers and prepare to shadow. At the time,
DEVONSHIRE had about 46% of fuel remaining.
Admiralty
Message
2001 was not received until 2245P.
EMILE
BERTIN
was sighted at 1855P bearing 010 degrees 7 miles
steering 100 degrees at 25 knots.
DEVONSHIRE
turned to a parallel course, FURIOUS being
instructed to proceed into harbour reporting that
DEVONSHIRE
had 44% fuel remaining.
At
1900P DEVONSHIRE’s
position 44-63 degrees North, 63-23 degrees West and
at 1915 EMILE BERTIN altered to 176 degrees,
DEVONSHIRE
conforming.
At
1955P the following signals were exchanged with
EMILE BERTIN:
To:
From
C.S.
One
EMILE BERTIN
French
Cruiser EMILE BERTIN sailing from Halifax to Martinique glad to meet you once more after the North Sea.
To:
From:
EMILE
BERTIN
C.S.
One
Thank you. Is Admiral
Derrien onboard?
To:
From:
C.S.
One
EMILE BERTIN
Admiral Derrien left my
cruiser two months ago and is now commanding a
flotilla of destroyers off the coast of Morocco.
To:
From:
EMILE
BERTIN
C.S.
One
We were closely
associated on third of May and I wondered if he had
returned to you from MONTCALM.
At
1930/21
giving position course and speed of DEVONSHIRE at
1930/21 and received cordial signal by V/S from
EMILE BERTIN in which she gave her destination as
Martinique as passed to Admiralty and Rear Admiral
Commanding Third Battle Squadron at 2001P. At 2100P
spoke Norwegian VIGSNES /L.F.G.M. in position 43-36
degrees North, steering
to the eastwards.
At
2258P reported no change, Vice Admiral Commanding
First Cruiser Squadron’s 0046Z/22.
Saturday
22nd June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea shadowing EMILE
BERTIN.
At
0130 P, I reported course and speed at midnight and
that relative positions were unchanged, my 0300Z/22
and as EMILE BERTIN’s course indicated Martinique as
her destination and Commander in Chief, American and
West Indies’s 2239/21 received at 0059P confirmed
this I accordingly asked for further instructions
from Admiralty (My 0546P/22)
At
dawn, as light increased, DEVONSHIRE opened her
distance from EMILE BERTIN to 16 miles and at 0600Z
on receipt of Admiralty’s 1159/22, altered course as
though for Bermuda until out of sight of EMILE
BERTIN when paravanes were recovered, course shaped
for Halifax and speed adjusted to arrive at dawn.
Sunday
23rd June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
French
signed
Armistice with Germany.
Exchanged
calls
with Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle Squadron,
Commodore Reid, R.C.N., Commanding Officer Atlantic
Coast, and Commodore Jones, R.C.N., Commanding
Canadian Flotilla.
Admiralty
Message
1929/23 received. French ships not to be permitted
to sail from any British port.
Monday
24th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
Captain
of
Dutch HEEMSKERCK called on me – as I unfortunately
unable to return the call before he sailed.
Air
Officer
Commanding, Air Commodore Anderson called and I
later lunched with Commodore Reid when I met the
General Officer Commanding of the District,
Brigadier General Considine of the Canadian Army.
Tuesday
25th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
I
returned the Air Officer Commanding’s call.
Wednesday
26th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
Thursday
27th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
From
Intercepted
signals I learnt that EMILE BERTIN, who had a large
quantity of bullion on board, had arrived at
Martinique where BEARN and JEAN D’ARC also were both
carrying aircraft from America.
It
was clearly Admiralty’s intention that these ships
and their cargos should not be allowed to proceed to
France and FIJI and DUNEDIN were standing by to
prevent this.
Friday
28th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
The
Commanding
Officer, Atlantic Coast, having kindly arranged for
a Hudson Aircraft to be at my disposal, I flew to
Ottawa to see Rear Admiral Nelles, R.C.N., Chief of
Canadian Naval Staff, an old friend.
I
there also met the C.A.S. and C.G.S. and took the
opportunity of discussing the question of attack on
and defence of the Eastern Seaboard and also the
question of the defence of Iceland though I learnt
then that the latter was no longer a Canadian
commitment.
I
informed the Commander in Chief, America and West
Indies, later of this visit.
Saturday
29th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
The
sinking
of H.M.S. FRASER was made public and caused a
considerable stir locally.
Received
Admiralty
Message 1724/28 June giving the news of formation of
Force “H”
I
entertained the Rear Admiral Commanding Third Battle
Squadron, Commodores Reid and Jones, G.O.C. and
A.O.C. to lunch.
Sunday
30th June 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Halifax.
Intercepted the Commander in Chief, America and West
Indies’
0328/30th June giving a brief summary of armistice
terms.
Received the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
1014/30th June re SUSSEX sailing to meet FURIOUS.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
10/7
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
1st July – 15th July 1940
Monday
1st July 1940
The Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser
Squadron in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at Halifax.
DEVONSHIRE
and EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA for Iceland, and FURIOUS for Liverpool,
left harbour in company at 0900P being met outside
the gate by ASSINIBOINE
and OTTAWA who acted as A/S escort, having previously
carried out an A/S search of the approaches. Additional A/S escort
was provided by a flying boat of the Royal Canadian
Air Force, who returned to base at 1540P.
At
1050P DEVONSHIRE
carried out an eight inch full calibre firing on a
target towed by PUGWASH.
At 1130P formed a single line ahead in the order
EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA, DEVONSHIRE, FURIOUS, course 116 degrees, 18 knots.
Point
“A”
was reached at 2000 (43-20 degrees North, 60 degrees
West). Course was altered to 103 degrees.
At
2022 I received from Rear Admiral Third Battle
Squadron’s 1832/1st July indicating the possibility
by D/F bearings of an enemy unit in position 47-05
degrees North by 44-40 degrees West.
Tuesday
2nd July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Fog
was encountered during the middle watch, rain a.m.
and low visibility and patches of fog throughout the
day.
At
0339P I received Admiralty’s 0559/2nd July
indicating that on further analysis the enemy unit
in Rear Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron’s
1832/1 was considered to be a U boat in the Western
Approaches, Bermuda’s bearing being 13 degrees in
error.
ASSINIBOINE
and OTTAWA were detached at 0600P to return to
Halifax.
At
1400P DEVONSHIRE
spoke Norwegian LEDAAL/LCXY in position 42-07
degrees North, 07-53
degrees West steering approximately 270 degrees. In
the existing low visibility DEVONSHIRE
did not leave the convoy to ascertain any further
details.
Wednesday
3rd July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
improved.
At
0400 P course was altered to 035 degrees when about
35 miles short of position “B” (41 degrees North, 47
degrees West) in order to save time to enable
FURIOUS to make her rendezvous with SUSSEX and at
2000P, it being now clear that FURIOUS would be late
for her rendezvous with SUSSEX if kept in company
any longer, I detached FURIOUS who proceeded at 22
knots.
Thursday
4th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Encountered fog during the middle watch but
visibility good by the morning.
At
1020O DEVONSHIRE spoke British MUNERIC/GCGG from
Middlesborough to Wabana, Conception Bay, in ballast
on approximate course 261 degrees in position 48-16
degrees North, 40-26 degrees West and at 1135O
British KING ALFRED/GCMX from Glasgow to St Johns,
Newfoundland, in ballast approximate course 255
degrees in position 48-17 degrees North, 40-05
degrees West and at 1659P Dutch WILLEMSPLEIN/PIQE
from Leith to Newfoundland in ballast on approximate
course 257 degrees in position 49-53 degrees North,
38-46 degrees West.
At
1700O convoy reached position “C” (50 degrees North,
38-30 degrees West) and altered course to 024
degrees.
Friday
5th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
1330N course was altered to 028 degrees.
At
1542N I received Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
1450/5th July ordering SUSSEX, who should have
rendezvoused with FURIOUS at 0800/5th July, to
escort her to the North Channel
and then go to the Clyde.
SUSSEX and SHROPSHIRE to leave Clyde 8th July for
Reykjavik escorting personnel convoy and cover a
slow moving convoy sailing 7th July.
Admiralty’s
1559/5th
July placing DEVONSHIRE under the Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s orders on leaving EMPRESS OF
AUSTRALIA was received at 1905N and subsequently I
received the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
2239/5th July instructing DEVONSHIRE to proceed to
Scapa.
The
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2241/5th July diverted
DEVONSHIRE and my mails accordingly.
Saturday
6th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
1030Z convoy reached position “D” (60-10 degrees
North, 30 degrees West) and altered course to 031
degrees and at 2200P I informed the Admiralty,
repeated the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, that
EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA would arrive five hours early.
Sunday
7th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0500A convoy reached position “E”, 64 degrees North,
25 degrees West and altered course for Reykjavik and
at 0530 a Walrus aircraft was sighed who acted as
A/S patrol.
At
0945A DEVONSHIRE
parted company with the EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA in
position 64-08 degrees North,
22-21 degrees West and shaped course for Scapa at 24
knots.
The
arrival
signal for DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa and DEVONSHIRE’
1016/7th July re provisions and stores were passed
at 1012A.
During
the
first watch several Icelandic trawlers were sighted
one of which was identified at 1933A as TRYGGVI
GAMLI/TFQC, Registered No. R. 2 in position 61-37
degrees North, 17-40
degrees west steering approximately 310 degrees.
SUSSEX
arrived in Clyde.
Monday
8th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
1047A sighted an unidentified aircraft in position
59-11 degrees North, 8-30 degrees west at extreme
visibility and at low altitude. The aircraft
disappeared from sight after three minutes and was
not seen again.
The
course
and speed was adjusted to pass Hoxa Boom at 1915A.
I
dined with the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
NORFOLK
sailed from Scapa for the Clyde.
Tuesday
9th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
A.M.
SHROPSHIRE
and SUSSEX escorting troop convoy consisting of
ORMONDE/GLYC and ULSTER PRINCE/GLFM left Greenock
for Reykjavik with orders to remain with this convoy
until latitude 062 degrees North and then to make
contact with the slow convoy which left Greenock
P.M. on 8th July and escort it to the same latitude,
subsequently proceeding to Scapa.
Wednesday
10th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Thursday
11th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Arrangements
had
been made for DEVONSHIRE
to carry out a combined 8 inch full calibre and H.A.
sleeve target firing but this practice had to be
cancelled owing to unfavourable weather conditions.
Admiral
Superintendent,
Rosyth’s signal timed 2052/10th in reply to the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1731/10th confirmed
that it would be possible to dock YORK on 13th July
for changing of propeller and that docking of
DEVONSHIRE for repairs to starboard outer shaft and
exchange of port 4 inch guns on 16th July could be
accepted.
Friday
12th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
DEVONSHIRE’s
practice was again postponed owing to weather.
H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA to come under orders of the Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet, when ready for sea (Admiralty message
1611/12th July.
Saturday
13th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
A.M.
DEVONSHIRE sailed for the practice but this was
again cancelled owing to poor visibility and the
ship returned to harbour.
Information
was
received that BERWICK’s completion date was now
delayed until 31st July 1940.
The
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, informed me of his intention
to sail DEVONSHIRE for Rosyth so as to arrived at
0800 15th July 1940, for a quick docking on
completion of YORK.
P.M.
YORK docked at Rosyth.
Sunday
14th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Weather
was
still unfit for practices.
YORK
delayed 24 hours in dock. Postponed
sailing of DEVONSHIRE
for Rosyth for 24 hours in the hope of being able
to carry out the 8 inch full calibre and H.A.
sleeve target firings before leaving Scapa.
P.M.
SHROPSHIRE and SUSSEX arrived from duty with Iceland
convoys.
Home
Fleet
at Scapa was ordered to half hour’s notice by
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, on receipt of
Admiralty’s 2323/14th stating that unusual wireless
activity indicated the possibility of an enemy move.
Monday
15th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
0730. Reverted to four hours notice and at 1530
DEVONSHIRE
proceeded and carried out
8 inch F.C. firing with aircraft spotting in
Pentland Firth,
proceeding on completion to Rosyth.
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
16th July – 31st July 1940
Tuesday
16th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0415 DEVONSHIRE was joined by one Anson as A/S
screen; arrived at Rosyth at 0610 and was docked in
No. 2 Dock during the forenoon after YORK had
undocked and anchored in the stream.
AUSTRALIA
arrived at Greenock,
P.M.
I
proceeded to London
to visit Admiralty.
Wednesday
17th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
YORK
was sailed P.M. for Scapa
SHROPSHIRE
left Scapa for Greenock
to be taken in hand by Messrs. Fairfield. Expects
to complete on
28th
July
1940.
I
visited the First Sea Lord and Admiral of the Fleet
Lord Cork (lately Flag Officer, Narvik), at
Admiralty.
Thursday
18th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
YORK
arrived Scapa at 0735.
SHROPSHIRE
arrived Greenock
0845.
Friday
19th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Rosyth.
Admiral
Superintendent,
Rosyth, reported intention to undock DEVONSHIRE p.m.
on 22nd July 1940. (Admiral Superintendent,
Rosyth’s 1117/19th July).
AUSTRALIA
left Clyde, P.M. for Scapa.
Saturday
20th July 1940
(n.b. page two
missing: entries of 20, 21, 22, 23, and start of
24th July)
Wednesday
24th July 1940
(continued)
0835.
DEVONSHIRE arrived
Scapa. (n.b. from
H.F. W.D.)
The
Flag of Commander in Chief, Home Fleet was
transferred at noon from RODNEY to NELSON.
Thursday
25th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 1941/24 received P.M. stating
his intention that DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK should
give close support to fast Iceland Convoy as far as
62 degrees North, and then return to cover slow
convoy.
DEVONSHIRE
was calibrated on the degaussing range, a.m.
P.M.
exercised
DEVONSHIRE,
SUSSEX, and AUSTRALIA at manoeuvres and sub calibre
concentration practices in the Flow.
Friday
26th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, requested that a cruiser of the
First Cruiser Squadron should be detailed to replace
NORFOLK in the Clyde during her employment as escort
to Iceland convoy. Detailed
SUSSEX.
Saturday
27th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
A.M.
Exercised
DEVONSHIRE, SUSSEX, and AUSTRALIA in pair ship sub
calibre concentration and flank marking in the Flow.
On completion, SUSSEX sailed for Clyde
at 1300.
At
1300 Battlecruisers, cruisers, and destroyers were
ordered to 2 ½ hours notice.
At
1630 Battlecruisers, cruisers, and destroyers were
ordered to raise steam with all dispatch for full
steam and Battleships and aircraft carriers to keep
steam at 1 hour’s notice.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, informed Vice Admiral Commanding,
First Cruiser Squadron and Vice Admiral Commanding
Battle Cruiser Squadron verbally that there were
indications that GNEISENAU might attempt to leave
Trondheim to return to Germany and that Force “A”
consisting of:
C.S.
One in DEVONSHIRE
|
MASHONA
|
B.C.
One in RENOWN
|
ASHANTI
|
REPULSE
|
TARTAR
|
YORK
|
PUNJABI
|
AUSTRALIA
|
FURY
|
SHEFFIELD
|
FIREDRAKE
|
ARROW
|
FORTUNE
|
was to endeavour to bring her to
action.
Informed
Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet at 1848 that Force “A” would
pass Pentland Skerries at 2000/27 and Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet ordered ZULU and MAORI who were
hunting a U boat to the eastward of the Shetlands to
join Force “A” at 0400/28.
Force
“A”
passed Pentland Skerries at 2000 with cruisers in
single line ahead 4 cables apart screened by ASHANTI
and MASHONA, battlecruisers screened by remaining
destroyers, 4 miles astern, Mean Course 082 degrees
– advancing at 24 knots.
Informed
at
2044 by Commander in Chief, Rosyth that fighter
escort of two Blenheims was arranged from 0400/28
onwards.
At
2210 reduced speed through the water and altered zig
zag from No. 15 to No. 10 of C.B. 3043 in order to
enable REPULSE to maintain speed of advance of 24
knots.
At
2037, AUSTRALIA
reported D/F bearing of 101 degrees (or reciprocal)
strength 6, second class on 5060 kc/s. This was
presumed to be an enemy surface vessel using the
night alternative frequency.
At
2355 AUSTRALIA reported D/F bearing of 129 degrees
(or reciprocal) strength 8, second class on 5545
kc/s. This was presumed to be a U boat.
(Note:
As
AUSTRALIA’s
H/F D/F set has not been properly calibrated these
bearings were accepted as general indications only.
Sunday
28th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Commander
in
Chief, Rosyth reported at 0236 aircraft being
unable….(n.b.
page chopped)….
AUSTRALIA,
DEVONSHIRE, SHEFFIELD, and YORK with ASHANTI and
MASHONA attached to AUSTRALIA and DEVONSHIRE
respectively.
ZULU
and MAORI joined Force “A” at 0400 and were attached
to YORK and SHEFFIELD respectively.
Air
escort
of two Blenheims made contact at 0410.
At
this time, although the weather was clear and
visibility excellent, the presence of a “front” and
much low cloud and mist to eastward was apparent.
During the day heavy clouds formed down to 2000 feet
with cirrus cloud above and visibility varied
between 5 and 25 miles.
At
0420 Commander in Chief, Rosyth reported that
aircraft left Sumberg at 0400 for reconnaissance of
Trondjheim.
Informed by Commander in Chief, Rosyth at 0446
of air patrol of three Blenheims to be flown from
0530/28 over position of Force “A”.
Sighted three Blenheims at 0630.
The
fighter
escort of two Blenheims at relieved at 0717.
Altered course of Force “A” at 0800 to 290
degrees in accordance with Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet’s 2312/27.
My reasons for doing this were that, had the enemy
left Trondjheim before midnight, even at 20 knots he
would by now be to the southward of my position and
the absence of enemy reconnaissance aircraft
appeared to indicate that no important enemy warship
movement was in progress down the coast in this
vicinity – an inference which appeared to be
confirmed by the absence of reports from our own
coastal reconnaissances. The possibility that
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet might have
indications of enemy movements to the westward was
also present in my mind.
At
0913 YORK sighted a mine (position 61-45 degrees N.
1-35 degree E.).
Reduced distance apart of cruisers to 5 miles at
0915 in visibility detiorating.
At
1100 reduced speed and increased amplitude of zig
zag, advancing at 18 knots. Lost
sight of fighter escort until 1245.
Received Admiralty’s 1120/28 at 1147 to the
effect that it was probable that position of Force
“A” had been reported by enemy aircraft at
0939/28. Ordered
SHEFFIELD
to search for shadower on type 79. Admiralty’s 1120/28 was
cancelled at 1454.
Reduced
speed
at 1200 to 19 ½ knots (advancing 17 knots) to
conserve fuel of destroyers.
Air
reconnaissance
of Trondheim at 0800 reported no warship in harbour
(Commander in Chief, Rosyth’s 1208 received at
1257). The fact and indications previously mentioned
pointed to the probability that GNEISENAU and her
three destroyers had left Trondheim early yesterday
and her presence with her of the destroyers argued
against a westerly enterprise. Accordingly at 1400
altered course of Force “A” to 097 degrees speed of
advance 21 knots with cruisers spread 5 miles apart
4 miles ahead of the battlecruisers in accordance
with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0931/28.
One
of the battlecruisers’ screen
reported a contact (position 62-08N, 1-02W) at 1407.
This was investigated by three destroyers who
subsequently rejoined the screen. There were many
whales in the vicinity.
Commander
in
Chief, Rosyth reported at 1432 that coastal
reconnaissance from Lister Light to 62 degrees N was
being carried out by three aircraft taking off at
1330.
At
1713 and 1734 heard “A’S” strength 8 bearing 215
degrees. These sounded as if made by a fairly
powerful transmitter some way off.
At
1800, in accordance with Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1143/28, ordered Vice Admiral Commanding,
Battle Cruiser Squadron to assume command of Force
“A” and DEVONSHIRE to proceed to escort Iceland
convoy. Passed intended route of DEVONSHIRE
and instructions for NORFOLK
to RENOWN for transmission by W/T on her return to
harbour. (Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron’s 1606/28.
At
1928 DEVONSHIRE sighted a column of water about 10
feet to 15 feet high as from a
submarine explosion 10 degrees 2 ½ miles on
her port bow immediately after a large alteration of
course to port (position 61-46 degrees North, 0-34
degree East). Slight shock was felt in engine room
and boiler rooms. Considered it
probable that this was a torpedo from a U boat
exploded on firing.
At
2040 informed Walrus aircraft on patrol S.16
(reference Commander in Chief, Rosyth’s 1146/19/7)
of the explosion at 1928 for transmission to
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet.
SUSSEX
reported
stripping starboard inner H.P. turbine (SUSSEX
0801/28). Commander in Chief, Home Fleet instructed
her to disconnect turbine and trail shaft until ship
could be spared for repairs (Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet’s 1645/28).
Monday
29th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Low visibility varying from ½ mile to 5 miles.
At
1600 ordered NORFOLK
and DEVONSHIRE to keep 30 miles to the north and the
west, respectively of convoy and both ships to keep
30 miles to the South East of N.P. 55 until the fog
had lifted. (Vice Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s 1600/29/7.
DEVONSHIRE
reached a position 30 miles to the North of the
estimated position of the convoy and altered course
parallel to it. Speed of advance being reduced by
wide zig zag. Maintained this
approximate position throughout the night.
Tuesday
30th July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
1
to 5 miles
Made
contact
with the convoy at 1345 in position 59-35 degrees
North, 13-02 degrees West – 16 ships with Commodore
W.B. Mackenzie in PATRICIA escorted by four A/S
trawlers – and then proceeded ahead to locate
NORFOLK which was done at 2040.
At
1544 identified Icelandic trawler BELGAUM/TFNC
steering 314 degrees bound for Reykjavik (position
59-40 degrees North, 13-31 degrees West) and at 1653
spoke H.M.S. WORCESTER (position 59-51 degrees
North, 13-56 degrees West) steering 140 degrees at
12 knots who reported passing NORFOLK at 1512
steering a northerly course.
At 2145 with NORFOLK in company, closed the convoy which was found
to be making good six knots on a course of 308
degrees.
Proceeded as requisite to
maintain a position to North Eastward of convoy.
Wednesday
31st July 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
At
0124 Admiralty reported that force was probably
reported by a U boat at 2206/30 (Admiralty’s
0050/31). Owing to slow speed of convoy it was not
considered that any advantage would be gained by an
alteration of its course. No action was therefore
taken.
Visibility 5 to 10 miles, windforce 5 to 6 from
South South West with heavy South West swell.
At
0920 closed the convoy and confirmed its previous
course and speed 308 degrees, 6 knots. Remained
in its vicinity throughout the day although low
visibility later prevented visual touch being
regained before dark.
P.M.
Carried
out range and inclination exercises and daylight
searchlight laying and training exercises.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, ordered BERWICK to sail for Scapa
when ready, and carry out full power trial on
passage. (Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet’s 1054/31). Flag Officer,
Liverpool reported that BERWICK would be ready for
sea on 3rd August (Flag Officer, Liverpool’s
1115/31)
SUSSEX
reported
present maximum speed of 27 knots (SUSSEX’s
1212/31).
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
WAR DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
1st August – 15th August 1940
Thursday
1st August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Visibility
improved
to 15 miles at 0300.
Closed
convoy
at dawn, and at 0530 in position 61-59 degrees North,
19-17 degrees West, parted company and shaped course
for Scapa in accordance with Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet’s 2312/26.
At
0930 reported W/T position, course, and speed of
convoy (Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron’s 0835/1) and expected time of arrival of
DEVONSHIRE and NORFOLK (Vice Admiral Commanding
First Cruiser Squadron’s 0828/1.
Range
and
inclination and daylight searchlight exercises were
carried out in A.M. and P.M.
Naval
Officer
in Charge, Liverpool,
reported his intention of sailing BERWICK for Scapa
on 3rd August 1940
(Naval Officer in Charge, Liverpool’s
1635/1.
Friday
2nd August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Delayed
by
fog until 1700 when DEVONSHIRE
and NORFOLK passed through Hoxa Gate and anchored in
A.1 and A.2 berths respectively.
Saturday
3rd August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
AUSTRALIA
carried out 8 inch F.C. firing, A.M.
Exercised
DEVONSHIRE
and NORFOLK in pair ship sub calibre firing in the
Flow, P.M. Owing to an error lining up after an
electrical failure,
NORFOLK fired several shots into Flotta and between
Flotta and Calf of Flotta.
SUSSEX taken in hand by Alexander Stephens and Sons,
Glasgow and granted ten days leave to each watch.
FIJI carrying out duties of Cruiser in the
Clyde.
BERWICK
sailed
from Liverpool
for Scapa.
Sunday
4th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
BERWICK in collision A.M. in North Channel
with unknown ship in fog and put into the
Clyde
for repairs by Fairfields. Estimated
time for completion 2 ½ weeks.
YORK
sailed for Rosyth.
Commander
in
Chief walked round divisions in AUSTRALIA after
which AUSTRALIA
left for D/F calibration at Kirkwall.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet asked the Vice Admiral Commanding
First Cruiser Squadron to nominate a relief for FIJI
from the First Cruiser Squadron. Replied that
DEVONSHIRE was the most suitable and flag could be
transferred to NORFOLK if desired.
Monday
5th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet instructed DEVONSHIRE to sail for
the Clyde
to arrive P.M. 7th August (CinC,
Home Fleet’s 0921/5/8). As REVENGE would be at
Clyde
under operational command of Vice Admiral Commanding
First Cruiser Squadron, and as DEVONSHIRE would be
relieved after about a week, Home Fleet did not
consider it necessary to transfer Vice Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s Flag to NORFOLK.
Tuesday
6th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Scapa.
I
saw Commander in Chief, Home Fleet concerning duties
in the Clyde.
DEVONSHIRE
sailed at 2015 and, after a H.A. firing at a flare
target, shaped course for the Clyde escorted by one
Swordfish until dark.
Wednesday
7th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE at sea.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, informed Admiralty that he
considered it desirable that AUSTRALIA should be
docked in near future and suggested this be arranged
after completion of SUSSEX and BERWICK (CinC,
Home Fleet’s 1150/7/8)
Passed
extensive
oil patches at 1000 in approximate position 55-40
degrees North, 7 degrees
W.
At
1400 a 4 engine monoplane approached DEVONSHIRE as
if to attack making the wrong identification letter.
Aircraft was recognized to be a British training
machine and fire was not opened. Reported
the incident to Flag Officer in Charge,
Greenock
(Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron’s
1421/7).
Secured
to
the Flagship’s bouy at 1545 and requested Flag
Officer in Charge, Greenock to continue to
administer the port.
REVENGE, PENELOPE,
FIJI, ILLUSTRIOUS, ATHERSTONE, HAMBLEDON, and GARTH
in harbour.
Thursday
8th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Friday
9th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Saturday
10th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Sunday
11th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
NEWCASTLE
and available destroyers at Devonport, and
DEVONSHIRE, ILLUSTRIOUS, ECHO, and ATHERSTONE at the
Clyde were ordered to raise steam on account of
indications of enemy activity on the South and
West
Coasts (Admiralty’s 1332/11/8). Aircraft were
embarked by ILLUSTRIOUS. Ships reverted to normal
notice for steam at 2335/11/8.
NORFOLK
and
AUSTRALIA proceeding to establish a patrol P.M. on a
line 340 degrees from position 020 degrees Kalso
Light 45 miles as far as latitude 64-30 degrees
North, commencing 1000 12th August 1940 (CinC, Home
Fleet’s 1952/11).
Monday 12th August
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
in H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
Vice
Admiral
Commanding First Cruiser Squadron accompanied by
Staff Officers proceeded to Admiralty (Admiralty
Message).
NORFOLK
and AUSTRALIA to continue patrol until 1530 13th
August and then carry out a sweep as far as Long.
010 degrees West
returning to Scapa on completion if nothing sighted
(CinC, Home Fleet’s 2151/12/8).
Sunderland
aircraft to patrol ahead of both cruisers on
altering course to carry out sweep.
Tuesday
13th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
on duty at Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
0629.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0515/13/8.
DEVONSHIRE to raise steam at one hour’s notice.
Later, Admiral Commanding, Western Approaches’
0705/13.
Reliable information received from Swedish informant
that German embarkation began on the night of 11th
August, along whole Norwegian coast which, in
conjunction with other activities, indicates
definite operations in progress. (Admiralty’s
0456/13/8).
Received Admiralty Message 0505/13/8 ordering
all available ships in Western Approaches Command
to raise steam.
Flag
Officer,
Glasgow
reported to Admiralty that examination of SUSSEX’s
starboard inner H.P. turbine indicates seven weeks
work (F.O. Glasgow’s 1002/13/8).
NORFOLK
and AUSTRALIA ordered to continue patrol until
further orders – instructions to carry out sweep
being cancelled.
Wednesday
14th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
on duty at Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
DEVONSHIRE
ordered to revert to two hours notice for steam (CinC,
Home Fleet’s 0012/14/8).
Thursday
15th August 1940
Vice Admiral Commanding First Cruiser Squadron
on duty at Admiralty. Flag in H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE
at Greenock.
NORFOLK
and AUSTRALIA ordered to discontinue patrol at 0800
16th August and return to Scapa. 15th Cruiser
Squadron relieving the patrol. (CinC,
Home Fleet’s 1911/15/8.
(sgd) J.H.D. Cunningham
10/9
WAR
DIARY OF THE VICE ADMIRAL COMMANDING FIRST CRUISER
SQUADRON
Period 1st August to 15th August - Summary
On
the
1st August 1940,
the First Cruiser Squadron, which had been augmented
by the addition of H.M.A.S.
AUSTRALIA
was disposed as follows.
H.M.S.
DEVONSHIRE,
flying my flag, with H.M.S. NORFOLK in company, was
escorting a slow convoy to Iceland.
H.M.S.
YORK
and H.M.A.S. AUSTRALIA were at Scapa
H.M.S.
BERWICK
was undergoing refit at Liverpool, due to complete
3rd August.
H.M.S.
SUSSEX who had stripped starboard inner H.P. turbine
on 28th July was returning to the Clyde
for repairs.
H.M.S.
SUFFOLK
was undergoing damage repairs at Messrs. Fairfield’s
Greenock. Estimated date of
completion January 1941.
H.M.S.
SHROPSHIRE
was at Scapa temporarily attached to the First
Cruiser Squadron.
2.
By the end of the period under review (15th August),
BERWICK,
who
had been in a collision with an unknown merchant
vessel in Irish Sea, was undergoing repairs in the Clyde.
The collision occurred in thick weather and the
Court of Enquiry found the Commanding Officer
blameless.
YORK,
who
was at Rosyth, had been allocated to Mediterranean
Station and SHROPSHIRE had left to return to
South Atlantic.
SUSSEX
had been taken in hand by Messrs. Alexander Stephens
and Sons of Glasgow. Estimated
time, seven weeks.
3.
Thus leaving with the Home Fleet as effective for
anti invasion duties
DEVONSHIRE
wearing my Flag, in Clyde for anti invasion duties.
AUSTRALIA and NORFOLK at Scapa.
4.
Every advantage was taken, during the period, of
facilities at Scapa Flow to carry out Gunnery Exercises and much
benefit was derived.
5. On 12th August I was ordered to Admiralty and
was informed by the Chief of Naval Staff that I
would be appointed to Command Force “M” on an
expedition designed to install General de Gaulle at
Dakar
in French West Africa