Source: ADM 199/379
Cruiser Squadron Two’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 – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
1st
- 15th March 1940
On
1st
March 1940,
the state of the Squadron was as follows:
|
EDINBURGH
(Flag)
|
Rosyth
for degaussing and repair to D/F aerial.
|
|
ARETHUSA
|
Rosyth
|
|
AURORA
|
At sea covering Convoy O.H.N. 16
|
|
PENELOPE
|
At sea covering Convoy O.H.N. 16
|
|
GALATEA
|
Devonport,
degaussing and giving leave.
|
The
following
programme had been
approved:
(a).
EDINBURGH and ARETHUSA to sail about 4th March to
cover O.H.N. 17 and 18, EDINBURGH
proceeded
to Scapa to join 18th Cruiser Squadron on completion
about 12th March, ARETHUSA returning to Rosyth.
(b). My
flag to be transferred to FORTH
on 4th March.
(c). GALATEA to sail for
Scapa on 2nd March, carrying out practices and
arrive Rosyth to take my flag on 11th March.
(d). AURORA and PENELOPE
to cover O.H.N. 19 and 20, sailing about 12th March.
O.H.N.
17
was due to leave Methil
at 1700, 3rd March, but in view of the large number
of ships waiting, the convoy eventually ran in two
parts, the additional destroyer escort required
being provided by the Seventh Destroyer Flotilla.
The
Final
programme of sailings
was:
O.N. 17 (40 ships from Methil)
left Methil 1700, 3rd
March.
O.N. 17 A
(23 ships from Methil
and 17 from Kirkwall)
left Methil 1700, 4th
March.
O.N. 18 (30 ships from Methil
and 10 from Kirkwall)
left Methil 1700, 7th
March.
EDINBURGH
and
ARETHUSA sailed from Rosyth at 1500, 4th March,
making contact with O.N. 17 about 0800, 5th March.
They remained concentrated as close cover until dark
on that day, thereafter remaining in the vicinity of
Latitude 61 degrees North
as distant cover for O.N. 17 and O.N. 17 A.
After
the
arrival of 17 A, they
provided close cover for HN 17.
AURORA
and
PENELOPE arrived Rosyth
on 4th March from covering O.H.N. 15 and 16 and were
placed at 10 hours notice for steam until 0400, 8th
March for boiler cleaning and to give night leave.
GALATEA
arrived
Scapa 1230 on 4th March. Harbour
drills at anchor were carried out on 5th and 6th
March. Day and night sub calibre
and Day torpedo firing in the Flow on 7th March. It
was intended to carry out H.A. sleeve practice on
8th March, but this was postponed on account of low
cloud. GALATEA acted as Target ship for Submarine
NARWHAL in the Flow p.m. 8th March. Whilst
recovering NARWHAL’s
torpedoes, enemy aircraft carried out a raid on
Scapa. No warning was received and the first
indication was the release of two bombs by an
aircraft which approached from over Kirkwall, passed
down the starboard side of GALATEA and carried out
shallow dive bombing attack on S.S. FERNMOORE which
was at anchor in Echnalich
Bay, about 3 miles from GALATEA. Bombs were released
at 1344. Two splashes were observed which FERNMOORE
informed one were 500 feet from her. There was no
time to engage aircraft which made off to the
Eastward.
GALATEA
carried
out H.A. 4 inch and 0.5 inch sleeve target firing in
Pentland Firth a.m. on
9th March and 6 inch Day F.C. and 6 inch Night F.C
in Pentland Firth prior
to sailing for Rosyth P.M. Sunday 10th March.
GALATEA
arrived
Rosyth a.m. 11th March and my flag was transferred
to her p.m. on that day.
ON
19 sailed from Methil
at 1700, 11th March. At 2230 instructions were
received from Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
that EDINBURGH was to cover O.H.N. 19 after
refuelling at Scapa.
AURORA and PENELOPE were to remain at Rosyth
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 2012/11).
Information
was
subsequently received that one ship of the
Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron would provide cover for
O.H.N. convoys until further orders (Commander in
Chief’s 1746/13) and that SHEFFIELD would provide
cover for O.H.N. 20 (Vice Admiral Commanding
Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron’s 2155/12)
ARETHUSA
arrived
Rosyth pm. 12th March.
At
1400 on 12th March instructions were received to
open envelopes A.S.P. 1, 2, and 3 (Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 1105/12) and at 0200 on 13th
March orders were received for the squadron to sail
as follows:
GALATEA
and AURORA to arrive Clyde by 0800, 15th March.
ARETHUSA
and PENELOPE for Scapa.
The
squadron
sailed at 1200, having awaited the arrival of
BERWICK, who was bringing copies of A.S.P. 3.
ARETHUSA
and
PENELOPE were detached to Scapa at 1948 on 13th
March and GALATEA and AURORA arrived at Greenock at
1845/14th March.
At
1712/14
information was received from the Admiralty that
plan R 3 was in abeyance and that it was at
Commander in Chief’s discretion to withdraw GALATEA,
AURORA,
and destroyer escort from the Clyde
(Admiralty Telegram 1537/14). Plan R 3 was canceled
(Admiralty Telegram 2259/14) and GALATEA, AURORA and
destroyers of the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla were
ordered to sail for Scapa a.m. 15th March (Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0237/15).
Destroyers
sailed
at 1100 and cruisers on completion of fuelling at
1400.
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
16th
to 31st March 1940
16th March
GALATEA
and
AURORA arrived Scapa at
1240. It had been intended to carry out practices in
the Pentland
Firth en route from the Clyde,
but owing to a signal failing to get through, no
targets were provided.
2.
Warnings that enemy air attack might be expected
were received during the forenoon and afternoon. In
the evening an air raid took place, the RED warning
being made at 1956, YELLOW at 215, and GREEN at
2131. GALATEA’s port
0.5 inch machine guns fired approximately 100 round
per gun. The starboard 4 inch guns fired nine rounds
per gun at an enemy aircraft at extreme range in the
direction of Flotta.
This aircraft is believed to have been brought down.
17th March
Orders
were
received for Operation D.U. to be carried out on the
nights of 19/20th and 20/21st March.
3.
The Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, directed that
SHEFFIELD should cover O.H.N. 21 leaving Methil
on 19th March. For subsequent convoys
cruiser cover would be provided by one ship from
each of the Second and Eighteenth Cruiser Squadrons
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1701/17).
4.
At 1802, the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
informed the Fleet that nine German aircraft had
left the Weser
at 1700 and would arrive over Scapa at 1900. Fleet
notice YELLOW was assumed at 1845; no attack
developed, however.
18th March
5.
In view of the adverse weather reports, I postponed
Operation D.U. for 24 hours.
19th March
6.
The Battlefleet and battlecruisers
sailed p.m. to cover D.U. and sweep along the
Norwegian coast. In view of the continuing unfavourable
weather reports, I postponed D.U. a further 24
hours.
At
1920, a submarine was reported in Holm Sound, and at
1946 ships were ordered by the Admiral Commanding
Orkneys and Shetlands to take up stations according
to the plan for protecting the anchorage from
submarine attack. Destroyers and A/S vessels
proceeded to search. The Second Cruiser Squadron
raised steam with all despatch.
20th March
At
0024, Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetlands
ordered the Captain (D) Sixth Destroyer Flotilla to
detail two destroyers to anchor covering the
northern entrance to Gutter Sound and ships in the
Flow; remainder to return to their berths or anchor
as convenient. Two trawlers to
remain on watch at the eastern entrance. Cruisers
and destroyers to keep steam on one hour’s notice.
At
0801, anti submarine stations were negative and at
0845 cruisers and destroyers were ordered to revert
to usual notice for steam.
At
2041, the Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetlands
reported that trawlers were investigating an
indicator loop crossing and that Hoxa
and Switha Gates were
temporarily closed.
9.
This was canceled at 2119 and the Second Cruiser
Squadron and destroyers proceeded for Operation D.U.
at 2330.
21st March to 23rd March
10.
Operation D.U. took place as reported in Second
Cruiser Squadron No. 122/083/5 of 26th March 1940.
24th March
11.
GALATEA, ARETHUSA, and PENELOPE arrived
Rosyth at 0030. AURORA
who had been detailed to cover O.H.N. 22 with one
ship of the Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, had been
detached to Scapa with destroyers and arrived there
at 1143. She left again at 1945, after fuelling, in
company with SHEFFIELD
to cover O.H.N. 22 which left Methil
at 1500/23rd March.
12.
At 1152, the S.S. BECHEVILLE reported being attacked
by a raider in position 59-21N, 2-27W at 1044. It
appeared improbable that a raider would be in this
position, but I ordered YORK to raise steam for full
speed with all despatch
and the Second Cruiser Squadron, who were still
fuelling, to raise steam for 24 knots at one hour’s
notice.
The
BECHEVILLE
reported at 1125 that no ships had been seen, but an
explosion was heard and splash observed close to,
and at 1202 that she was proceeding
to Kirkwall
with boiler trouble.
I
ordered ships to revert to two hours’ notice at 1257,
and to usual notice at 1330.
26th March
13.
On 23rd March, I was directed by the Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet, to detail two of the Second
Cruiser Squadron to provide cover for O.H.N. 23
sailing 27th March. GALATEA and ARETHUSA were
detailed. AURORA on return from O.H.N. 22 was to be
taken in hand for engine repairs (flexible
couplings), necessitating her being at 15 hours’
notice for about eight days. PENELOPE was to renew
degaussing gear, subsequently covering O.H.N. 24
with SHEFFIELD.
27th March
14.
O.H.N. 23 sailed from Methil
at 1400 (23 ships for Point “E”, one for Aberdeen,
and two to join from Kirkwall).
Convoy proceeded west of Shetlands. In view of the
large number of ships, the homeward bound convoy was
to run in two sections, leaving Point “E” at 1900
30th March and 31st March, respectively.
28th March
GALATEA
and
ARETHUSA sailed from Rosyth at 1600 and proceeded
East and North of Shetlands and joined O.H.N. 23 off
Yell Sound at 2000 on 29th March.
29th March
AURORA
arrived Rosyth and went
to 15 hours’ notice for steam from 1800.
30th March
Instructions
were
received from the Admiralty that the Second Cruiser
Squadron was to proceed to the Humber
as soon as practicable and be based there. The
Squadron would normally operate under the Commander
in Chief, Nore, for the
protection of the East Coast, but might be placed at
the disposal of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
should he require them for any specific operation
(Admiralty telegram 2237/29). Later instructions
were received that the Second Cruiser Squadron was
to remain with the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet
for the present (Admiralty telegram 1037/30).
18.
H.N. 23 A sailed from Point “E” at 2030. O.N. 23 was
delayed by bad weather and consequently the
destroyers originally detailed for H.N. 23 B were
ordered to escort H.N. 23 A.
31st March
19.
O.N. 24 sailed from Methil
at 1200 (19 ships for Point “E”).
O.N.
23 was dispersed by the gale and low visibility
about 0700 off Point “E”. H.N. 23 B sailed after
dark about 2000. Only 20 ships of 32 sailed and of
these only 12 remained the next morning.
H.N.23
A was also very much scattered. The number of ships
remaining out of 39 was about 20.
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
1st
- 15th April 1940
On
31st
March 1940,
GALATEA and ARETHUSA were at sea covering H.N. 23 B.
PENELOPE was due to sail from Rosyth on 1st April to
cover O.H.N. 24. AURORA was at Rosyth on 15 hours’
notice.
1st April
At
1443/1,
the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 1233 was
received ordering the following dispositions to be
made:
(a).
AURORA
to arrived Clyde
by 5th April.
(b). PENELOPE to arrive
Scapa on 7th April.
(c). GALATEA and
ARETHUSA to be available as a striking force at
Rosyth from p.m. 3rd April.
(a)
and (b) were subsequently
amended to required AURORA and PENELOPE to reach
their destinations by 4th and 5th April
respectively.
3.
The bad weather was still continuing and at 0800/I
decided that I would proceed with ARETHUSA direct to
Rosyth at 2100, leaving SHEFFIELD and PENELOPE to
cover H.N. 23 B.
4.
PENELOPE sailed from Rosyth at 1445 to make contact
with H.N. 23 B at 0900/2 and subsequently cover
O.H.N. 24. The Vice Admiral Commanding, Eighteenth
Cruiser Squadron ordered SHEFFIELD to release her
from O.H.N. 24 in time to arrive Scapa on 5th April,
stating that a relief would be detailed from the
Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron if the convoys were
delayed.
2nd April
5.
GALATEA and ARETHUSA arrived
Rosyth at 1345 and AURORA sailed at 1415.
6.
The Admiralty orders for plan R.4 were received:
from these together with the supplementary orders
issued by the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, the
following role were
assigned to the Second Cruiser Squadron:
(a). AURORA flying the
flag of Admiral Sir Edward Evans, PENELOPE, and
destroyers to accompany convoys N.P. 1 and N.S. 1
destined for Narvik.
(b). GALATEA and
ARETHUSA to remain at Rosyth as a striking force.
D.1
of the operation – the day on which the first troops
would sail from the United Kingdom – was not yet
settled, but it would not be earlier than 5th April.
3rd April
7.
Admiralty announced that the laying of minefield in
Norwegian waters (Operation WILFRED) would take
place on 8th April. D.1 of plan R.4 would not be
before that date (Admiral telegram
1352/3). They subsequently stated that though the
earliest date of D.1 had been postponed three days,
the embarkation programme
had been postponed 48 hours only. Convoys and
cruisers (including AURORA and PENELOPE) should
therefore be ready to sea a.m. on 8th April
(Admiralty telegram 1934/3). In view of the
foregoing, I ordered GALATEA and ARETHUSA to proceed
with boiler cleaning. The Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet, ordered PENELOPE to continue covering H.N. 24
with SHEFFIELD,
returning to Scapa on completion.
4th April
8.
The Flag of Admiral Sir Edward Evans was hoisted in
AURORA at the Clyde.
5th April
9.
I was directed by the Commander in Chief, Rosyth, to
take three Polish destroyers GROM, BLYSKAWICA, and
BURZA under my orders during the time they were
based at Rosyth.
10.
On this day a change was made in the leave
arrangements for officers. Formerly, ships at four
hours’ notice for steam or longer were allowed to
give leave to officers on either side of the Firth
of Forth expiring at 2000. With the approval of the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, arrangements were
now made to give leave from 1300 to 1900 on either
side of the Firth and until 2330 on the North side.
6th April
11.
PENELOPE arrived Scapa
at 0815
7th April
12.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, in his 1159/7
ordered GALATEA, ARETHUSA, and Polish destroyers to
form Force “R” and have steam at two hours’ notice
from 0400 8th April.
13.
The events leading up to this force, and others,
sailing at 2115 on 7th April, and of the subsequent
three days have been reported separately in Second
Cruiser Squadron No. 58/083/6 of 21st April 1940.
(n.b.
found at end of 1st-15th April 1940
section).
14.
As regards the two other ships of the Squadron –
AURORA was ordered to proceed to Scapa with all despatch
without troops on board. She left the Clyde at
1300/8 and arrived Scapa
at 0300/9. Admiral Evans was told by the Admiralty
that he was to haul down his Flag, but might remain
in AURORA if he so wished. He elected to remain.
AURORA subsequently took part in the operations of
the 8th and 10th April, during which period, she
rescued the survivors from the GURKHA as reported in
Rear Admiral (D), Home Fleet’s No. 361/H.D. 00571.A
of 12th April 1940 and was attacked by bombers, and
arrived back at Scapa at 1520 on 10th April.
15.
PENELOPE left Scapa with the battle fleet at 2030 on
7th April. Subsequent information as to her
movements is based on intercepted cypher
messages and is necessarily incomplete.
At
1210/10,
she reported she was covering the retirement of the
Second Destroyer Flotilla after the first attack on
Narvik.
In
Battle
Cruiser Squadron 1511/10, she was informed that her
object was to prevent the escape of enemy forces
from Narvik.
At
2010/10
she was told by the Admiralty that if, in the light
of the morning’s experience, it was considered a
feasible operation, she was to take available
destroyers in the Narvik
area and attack the enemy at Narvik
that night or the following morning. The Vice
Admiral Commanding, Battle Cruiser Squadron, in his
2219/10, questioned these orders and it appears from
information available the PENELOPE at one time
thought the operation was feasible but was finally
compelled to state that it was not.
She
was subsequently ordered by the Vice Admiral
Commanding, Battle Cruiser Squadron to embark a
pilot at Tranoy and, in
company with ESKIMO and KIMBERLEY, firstly attack an
enemy transport at Bodo
(67-16 degrees N) and secondly try and capture a
tanker at Tannholm
(66-53 degrees N).
At
1359/11
ICARUS reported the German ship ALSTER at anchor in
Skjel Fiord with a
“PENELOPE manned crew on board.”
At
1500/11
PENELOPE reported being aground off Fleinvaer
Light with KIMBERLY and ESKIMO standing by. At 1700
she reported being afloat in tow of ESKIMO proceeded
to Skjel Fiord at four
knots. KIMBERLEY
had been instructed at 1630 to proceed to Bodo
and deal with the enemy transport; BEDOUIN to detail
two destroyers to deal with tanker in Tannholm
Fiord. This latter instructions
was subsequently cancelled.
At
1510/12
PENELOPE reported herself anchored in Vestfiord.
Pumps had the damage under control, but should the
diesel fail, the ship would have to be beached in Vestfiord.
The
extent
of the damage was reported by telegram to be: Keel,
garboard, “A” and “B” strakes port and starboard and
double bottom structure in vicinity buckled or
fractured from stem to stern on both ships of the
ship. Starboard forward and starboard after shaft
“A” brackets fractured. Starboard outer, port outer,
and starboard after inner propellers damaged, will
require spares to be fitted. Rudder frame damaged,
probably requiring renewal. (PENELOPE’s
0315/20 and 1446/25). She would probably be
ready to sail on 8th May.
A
full report of the damage based on investigations by
the Constructor Officer on the Rear Admiral (D) Home
Fleet’s staff was forwarded in Rear Admiral (D),
Home Fleet’s 408 H.D. 00301 of 26th April.
(on
24th April, the Admiralty stated the ship would be
taken in hand at Portsmouth.)
11th April
16.
At 1335 Admiralty telegram 1250 was received
directing one ship of the Second Cruiser Squadron to
be sailed to arrive Rosyth a.m. 12th April, to hoist
the Flag of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Cork and take
him to Narvik.
EFFINGHAM
and
ENTERPRISE
were to be sailed from Portsmouth
for Narvik as soon as
possible. On arrival Lord Cork was to transfer his
flag to EFFINGHAM and the ship of the Second Cruiser
Squadron was to rejoin me.
AURORA
was detailed. She left Scapa at 1700.
12th April
AURORA
arrived at Rosyth at 0640 on 12th April and sailed
again at 1200 flying the Flag of Lord Cork.
Her
subsequent
movements are not known to me. Apparently she was to
have rejoined about the 29th April, but Admiralty
telegram 0850/29 gave Lord Cork permission to retain
her for the present. At 1037/29, he told her to
report were she then was.
13th April
17.
GALATEA and ARETHUSA sailed from Scapa for Rosyth at
1300 for Operations MAURICE and SICKLE. A full
report on these operations has been forwarded in
Second Cruiser Squadron No. 63/083/5 of 28th April
1940
(n.b.
no entries for 14th in Diary)
WAR
DIARY SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
15th
to 30th April 1940
15th April
On
the 15th April, GALATEA and ARETHUSA were still
engaged on Operations MAURICE and SICKLE, a full
report on which has been forwarded in Second Cruiser
Squadron’s 063/083/5 of 28th April.
20th April
They
returned
to Rosyth on 20th April.
21st April
2.
ARETHUSA sailed again on 21st April to transport to
Aandalsnes the stores
and personnel necessary to establish an aerodrome at
Lesjascog, and GALATEA
with SHEFFIELD, GLASGOW, IVANHOE, ICARUS, IMPULSIVE,
VANSITTART, WITCH, and CAMPBELL sailed for the same
port on 22nd April with some 2000 men (Operation
SICKLE II). A full report on
which has been forwarded in Second Cruiser
Squadron’s 063/083/5 of 28th April.
24th April
3.
On her return from Aandalsnes
on 23rd April, ARETHUSA was ordered by Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet, to Scapa, where she was to keep
steam at half hour’s notice while a sweep into the
Skagerrak was carried out by the French ships
INDOMPTABLE, TRIOMPHANT, and MILAN. She arrived at
Scapa at 0530/24 and at 1358/24 was ordered by
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, to revert to usual
notice for steam.
25th April.
4.
GALATEA arrived Rosyth
1150.
5.
At 1515 Commander in Chief, Home Fleet,
ordered ARETHUSA to sail for Rosyth at 2039 and in
his 1903/25 he stated she was required to embark
about 300 troops and 30 tons of stores at Rosyth for
transport to Sundalsoren
(62-41 degrees N, 08-34 degrees E). An advance part
of 100 marines was being sent to the place from
PRIMROSE on the night of 25/26th April. JACKAL would
rendezvous with ARETHUSA in the neighbourhood
of the Orkneys and accompany her during the
operation.
26th April
6.
ARETHUSA arrived Rosyth
at 0655.
7.
Naval Officer in Charge, Aandalsnes
in his 0535/26 (not received by me) apparently
questioned the feasibility of landing troops at Sundalsoren
as Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, in his 11/20/26
asked Admiralty whether it was desired that ARETHUSA
should land her force at Aandalsnes,
as this and Molde were
considered the only places they could be landed.
8.
Admiralty Telegram 1642/26 in reply stated that
ARETHUSA was not to sail until two Bofors
guns had been embarked and was then to sail for Sundalsoren.
Commander
in
Chief, Home Fleet, was to consider sending a small
force of seamen from Aandalsnes
to Sundalsoren to
facilitate the disembarkation of troops from
ARETHUSA.
27th April
9.
ARETHUSA completed embarkation of troops and stores
and sailed from Rosyth at 0800 on 27th April.
10.
At 2058 she and JACKAL were ordered by the Commander
in Chief, Home Fleet, to proceed to Scapa, where
they arrived at 0600 on 28th April.
28th April
11.
At 0945 GALATEA was ordered to proceed to Scapa
forthwith. A full report of the subsequent
operations connected with the evacuation of Aandalsnes
is contained in Second Cruiser Squadron’s 71/083/5
of 7th May 1940.
(n.b.
no entries for 29th or 30th April)
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON (SUPPLEMENT)
No. 58/083/6 of 21st April 1940.
7th
– 10th April 1940
7th April
On
receipt
of the Aircraft enemy report timed 0848/7 I ordered
Force “R” to raise steam for full steam with all despatch.
Force “R” consisted of GALATEA, ARETHUSA, and the
Polish destroyers GROM, BLYSKAWICA, and BURZA.
2.
At 1025, I reported to the Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet, that Force “R” would be ready to proceed at
1200. In my 1235/6 I had already informed him of the
limited full speed of BURZA and small endurance of
all three Polish destroyers.
3.
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, informed me at 1300
through Commander in Chief, Rosyth, that my force
would not proceed until
the result of the Bomber attack was known. I
accordingly kept steam at half hours’ notice.
4.
At about 1800 I received Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 1617 informing me to sail with Force “R” as
soon as SOMALI (Captain D 6), MATABELE, MASHONA, and
TARTAR were refuelled,
and could sail with me. At the time I did not know
their expected time of arrival. They finally arrived
alongside their oilers at 1955 and completed oiling
about 2330.
5.
At 1915 Captain (D) 4th Destroyer Flotilla was
ordered to raise steam with all despatch
in the destroyers under his command (namely AFRIDI
(Captain D 4), GURKHA, SIKH, MOHAWK, ZULU, COSSACK,
KASHMIR, KELVIN) and to
accompany me to sea. As had been forecast by the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, I could not now keep
the rendezvous ordered in his 1607 and I therefore
informed him in my 1945 as follows:
“Intend
to
pass May
Island at 2359 and through position 58 degrees N, 00
degrees at 0800/8. If high speed is required on
passage intend to detach 2nd Sub Division.”
(i.e.
the Polish destroyers on account of their very low
endurance). This crossed the Commander in Chief’s
1946 ordering me to steer northwards after reaching
position 58-30 degrees North,
3-50 degrees East).
6.
Force “R” sailed at 2155 closed followed by Captain
(D) 4th Destroyer Flotilla and his destroyers who
were in company when May Island was passed at 2350.
Captain (D) 6th Destroyer Flotilla was informed of
the route I would take and was ordered to join me as
soon as possible after daylight.
8th April
This
he did at 0710/8.
7.
The Polish destroyers were attached to the 6th
Destroyer Flotilla as the 12th Division. Their
presence considerably complicated communication.
8.
The reports of GLOWWORM’s
encounters between 0800 and 0900 were considered to
be in an area too far north to warrant my departing
from the Commander in Chief’s ordered plan observing
that he knew my position at that time and I had no
knowledge of his further intentions.
9.
At 0714 course was altered to 076 degrees to pass
through Latitude 58 degrees North, Longitude 00 at
0800. Enemy reconnaissance aircraft were sighted at
intervals from 0940 onwards. These may have been
several sightings of one reconnaissance aircraft.
One of these sightings was reported by GALATEA at
1039 and Commander in Chief, Rosyth sent out two Bleinheims
which were not seen.
The
destroyers
were warned at 0606 of movements of submarines CLYDE
and THISTLE.
10.
Several asdic contacts were investigated by the
British destroyers and depth charges were dropped at
1035 by destroyer BURZA in approximately 58-10
degrees North, 0-06
degrees East and another destroyer opened fire at a
suspected periscope. KELVIN dropped back to
investigate and dropped depth charges at 1052 but
reported “contact doubtful” on rejoining at 1124.
11.
At 1200 the wind was N.W. Force 4, sea moderate,
cloud 9/10, visibility
extreme.
12.
Between 1227 and 1800 six drifting mines were passed
and all but one sunk.
13.
At 1445 having reached
position 58-30 degrees North, 3-30 degrees East, I
turned to 000 degrees.
14.
The aircraft report of 1 Battlecruiser, two
destroyers and two cruisers in 64-07 degrees North,
6-25 degrees East at 1400 and First Cruiser
Squadron’s indented movement from Rosyth both
reached me at about 1530. I considered that the
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, knew my position and
movements with reasonable accuracy because I had
kept to his instructions and therefore I did not
break W/T silence but issued by intention to
maintain course 000 degrees all night and gave the
ships in company was much information as I had of
the situation.
15.
At 1800 on receipt of Admiralty message 1712 I
reported my position, course, and speed. The wind
was not N.W. Force 5, sky overcast, and visibility
only 3 ½ miles. The sea was increasing.
16.
At 2137 course was altered to 270 degrees to comply
with Admiralty message 1842. Not knowing the
position of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, I
turned 90 destroyers in order to clear is
Zone as quickly as possible. He
head sea forced me to reduce speed to 15 knots at
2146 and again to 12 knots at 0105, after course had
been altered to 314 degrees on reaching my zone
between 01-50 degrees East and 02-30 degrees East.
9th April
17.
Commander in Chief’s 2252 ordering a cruiser sweep
in the morning was received at 0140. It was not
possible to reach the position ordered in time and
no instructions for the destroyers were included. I
decided to take them with me and steer to join the
sweep about 0630. Course was reversed at 0208 and
speed increased to 15 knots by 0240.
18.
At this time Admiralty Message 0210 which cancelled
the cruiser sweep was received. It was not possible
to reach the new rendezvous without a large increase
of speed so I altered course to 180 degrees at 0306
to meet the Vice Admiral Commanding, First Cruiser
Squadron about 0605 as I was aware that he would
steer northward from the position ordered.
19.
At 0325 Captain (D) 6th Destroyer Flotilla reported
that KASHMIR and KELVIN who were at the rear of the
Fourth Destroyer Flotilla had been in collision.
Later ZULU reported that ZULU and COSSACK had been
detached to escort them, but I was not informed at
the time as to how the collision occurred or the
serious extent of the damage to the two ships.
20.
Another drifting mine was sunk at 0600.
21.
As the First Cruiser Squadron and French Squadron
had not been sighted and it was most unlikely they
were still to the southward, course was altered at
0622 to the Northward and speed increased to 19
knots.
These
ships
were first sighted at 0640 and by 0700 both
squadrons were in sight. I stationed the First
Cruiser Squadron (DEVONSHIRE, BERWICK, YORK, and
GLASGOW) 3 miles ahead, and the French Squadron
(EMILE BERTIN, TARTU and MAILLE BREZE) 4 miles
astern, and at 0730 proceeded 030 degrees at 17
knots from position 59-50 degrees North, 02-19
degrees East to rendezvous with the Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet.
22.
At 0755 GALATEA opened fir on an aircraft shadowing
at long range.
23.
At 0905 two shadowing aircraft were reported by
GALATEA. Soon afterwards, DEVONSHIRE reported the
screen of the Battlefleet
and at 0945 the RODNEY bore 348 degrees – 7 miles.
The various units of my force were then stationed on
the Battlefleet by
order of the Commander in Chief, Home Fleet. GALATEA
and ARETHUSA formed on the right wing unit of the
A-K line with YORK and EMILE BERTIN.
TARTU and MAILLE BREZE next towards the centre.
At 1103 the Second Cruiser Squadron were
station, course 180 degrees speed of advance 16
knots. Course was reversed at 1200 and the ships
spread preserving compass bearings.
24.
Fire was opened on shadowing aircraft at 1008 and
again at 1145 but the aircraft were
at extreme range.
25.
The Eighteenth Cruiser Squadron, Fourth and Sixth
Destroyers Flotillas parted company at 1245 and I re
spread the cruisers from left to right in sequence
DEVONSHIRE, BERWICK, YORK, ARETHUSA, EMILE BERTIN,
GALATEA.
At
1600 and between 1722 and 1744, the cruisers were
attacked by bombers as reported in my postagram
timed 1000/11.
26.
At 1753 a merchant ship was sighted bearing 010
degrees – 9 miles. GALATEA proceeded to intercept
her. At 1845, she as stopped in position 61-28
degrees North, 2-27
degrees East and proved to be the Swedish ship
VINGAREN. While signals were still being made to
order to the United Kingdom, GALATEA was ordered to
close the Commander in Chief. Station was resumed at
1912.
27.
Commander in Chief’s 1837, giving his dispositions
for the night, was received at 1923 and I ordered
ARETHUSA and the French Squadron to join me and
proceeded thence at 24 knots to patrol position
ordered off the Fejeosen
entrance to Bergen.
28.
Subsequent movements were reported in my signal
times 1818/10 and my 1240/10 reported the state of
the Lights on the Norwegian Coast.
10th April
29.
At 0400 course was set for the rendezvous ordered in
61 degrees N, 1 degree East.
At 0550 a merchant ship was sighted and ARETHUSA was
detached to investigate. The ship proved to be the
Norwegian GRO and was sent to Kirkwall
under armed guard from position 60-44 degrees North,
3-37 degrees East. Later ARETHUSA reported her
“cargo coal, ship very much Norwegian and friendly,
Captain deceived by German broadcasts and refused to
go to United Kingdom in order to avoid having to
make any decision himself.” ARETHUSA rejoined me at
1045/10. The GRO arrived at Kirkwall
a.m. Thursday 11th.
30.
AFRIDI and MOHAWK were sighted at 0855 and at 0940
SIKH escorting the Norwegian T.B. DRAUG to Sullom
Voe with 67 German
prisoners on board.
31.
GLASGOW, SHEFFIELD with SOMALI and MASHONA in
company were sighted at 1005 and joined me at 1115.
At 1100 Captain D 1 met me at the rendezvous and
informed me as follows:
“Have
been
ordered by the CinC to
meet 18th and 2nd C.S. and tell C.S. 18 to proceed
with cruisers and French Force to Scapa to refuel. Have
met C.S. 18 who has proceeded direct to Scapa with
SOUTHAMPTON in company. Destroyers proceed to Sullom
Voe to refuel and await
orders.”
32.
At 1115 Convoy H N 25 borer 295 degrees – 14 miles
with destroyer escort and aircraft overhead. It was
this aircraft which was reported at 1056 as a
shadowing aircraft in ignorance of the convoy’s
proximity. On the previous evening the convoy had
been sighted bearing 057 degrees – 12 miles at 1950
from which it had been expected to be much further
west than was the case.
33.
At 1230 GLASGOW
and SHEFFIELD proceeded ahead to be available for
the operation ordered in Admiralty’s 1045/10.
34.
On passage to Scapa my force was attacked by bombers
as reported in my 1000/11. I reported that I was
being shadowed at 1540 and requested an air escort
at 1747. The attack developed a few minutes later in
low visibility.
35.
When the fighters arrived at 1854 they dived so
close at the ships that they were mistaken for enemy
and a few rounds were fired at them by the French
ships and our own, fortunately without damage.
36.
The Force arrived at Scapa at 1945 and was present
during the Air Raid which lasted from 2100 to 2200.
No damage was sustained.
37.
AURORA was found at anchor in the Flow having
arrived at 1520 with survivors from GURKHA. C.S. 18
in MANCHESTER
with SOUTHAMPTON in company arrived just after we
did, having come west of Orkney.
38.
Second Cruiser Squadron fuelled and completed with
ammunition by 1800 on 11th April.
SECRET
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
1st
– 15th May 1940
1st May
GALATEA
and
ARETHUSA were returning from Aandalsnes
on completion of operations TUNNEL and BRICK 1.
2nd May
GALATEA
and
ARETHUSA arrived at Scapa at 0200. In accordance
with verbal instructions from Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet, they sailed for Rosyth at 2100 to boiler
clean and carry out repairs to the degaussing gear
in ARETHUSA prior to proceeding to Sheerness.
3rd May
They
arrived At Rosyth 0815.
The
Commander
in Chief’s orders were confirmed by A.T. 2325/3
which stated that in view of the German Threat in
Holland, GALATEA and ARETHUSA were to be sailed for
Sheerness and placed under the orders of the
Commander in Chief, the Nore,
as soon as convenient and subject to degaussing gear
being efficient.
The
cleaning
of one boiler, which was put in hand on arrival at
Rosyth was completed by GALATEA a.m. on 5th May and
by ARETHUSA p.m. 6th May, by which time the fitting
of temporary degaussing gear was also completed.
7th May
ARETHUSA
proceeded
at 0545 to carry out D.G. trials and both ships
sailed for Sheerness, arriving at 0800/8.
8th May
On
arrival
they were placed at the following notice for steam –
half an hour between 0300 and 0800 daily, otherwise
two hours.
9th May
Captain
D
19 came by car from Dover to discuss cooperation.
10th May
At
0557 the Admiralty announced that German had invaded
Holland and at 0648 Belgium
and Luxembourg had also been attacked. GALATEA and
ARETHUSA were brought to immediate notice for steam
at 0535, reverting to five minutes’ notice at 0635.
They
sailed
in company with KEITH and BOREAS at 1245 to escort
the Dutch gold convoy to Southend.
Full reports on this operation, on the abortive
attempts on this
11th May
and
the following night to evacuate Princess Julianna
and her children and the transport of Generals Van
de Vijver and Noothoven
Van Good and their staffs from Ymuiden
to Sheerness for onward passage to France and
Belgium respectively are contained in Second Cruiser
Squadron’s No. 156/083/6 of 12th May 1940, and No.
157/083/6 of 12th May 1940.
12th May
GALATEA
returned
to Sheerness at 1035. Cruisers were ordered by
Commander in Chief, Nore,
to remain in harbour at
half hour’s notice and to sail without further
orders if definite news was heard of German surface
warships moving towards the Dutch Coast (Commander
In Chief, Nore’s
1855/12).
Commander
in
Chief Nore in his
0951/12 asked Admiralty if strong cruiser
reinforcements could be made available if enemy
cruisers moved towards Holland. Commander in Chief,
Home Fleet replied in his 1037 that MANCHESTER,
SHEFFIELD, and YORK were at Rosyth and at his
disposal. SHEFFIELD and (…….n.b.
page chopped)
13th May
GALATEA
and
ARETHUSA reverted to one hours’ notice for steam at
1554
14th May
At
1200 cruisers reverted to two hours’ notice for
steam and leave was given. At 1521 instructions were
received to raise steam for full speed in order to
cover the evacuation of the Dutch army, if
necessary. They reverted to one hours’ notice at
2000 and to two hours notice at 0834/15.
15th May
The
proceedings
of the two other ship of my squadron during this
period are not known to me in detail.
On
9th May, I received a signal timed 2208/7 from
AURORA reporting to Flag Officer Narvik
that seven Royal Marines had been killed, one
seriously wounded, and six wounded. B turret was out
of action, no damage outside turret. From a
subsequent report contained in
AURORA’s 1250/10 it appears that she
was hit by a bomb.
Admiralty
Telegram
2115/9 required a cruiser to be available at Rosyth
from p.m. 10th May to convey certain Norwegian
officials to Tromso
and, subsequently, at the discretion of the
Commander in Chief Home Fleet to relieve AURORA.
It is not known whether any further action was taken
on this message.
On
6th May, Commander in Chief informed Flag Officer, Narvik,
that BANDIT and BUCCANEER were due to Skjel
Fiord on 8th May and requested that PENELOPE might
be sailed as soon as practicable with an escort of
four destroyers, and CALCUTTA providing A.A. escort.
PENELOPE was to endeavour
to raise steam on her port inner shaft, trailing the
remainder, and proceed to the Clyde if fuel and
circumstances permitted.
PENELOPE
intended
to sail at 2200 on 8th May or early a.m. on 9th May
(PENELOPE 1926/7) but this was deferred and she
eventually sailed in tow at 2300 on 10th May
together with ISIS in tow, SEA VALOUR and LOCHEE,
escorted by CAMPBELL and WITCH. ZULU and ESCORT
joined the escort at some later date.
At
0600/14
PENELOPE was in position 062 degrees 45 miles North
004-30 degrees West 205 degrees speed 7 knots (Read
Admiral (D) 1035/14) and at 1600/15 in position
61-21 degrees North, 05-08 degrees West course 183
degrees 8 knots (Rear Admiral (D) 1515/14).
ACASTA
was
ordered to relieve ZULU in the escort and CALCUTTA
to leave PENELOPE at 2000 on 14th May.
SECRET
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
16th
– 31st MAY 1940
16th May
At
1025, Commander in Chief, Nore,
ordered GALATEA and ARETHUSA to keep steam at half
an hours notice. This was followed by his 1220 which
directed ships to proceed to Portsmouth arriving at
the Nab Tower before 2100. I had no prior notice of
this intended move. It was made in anticipation of
heavy bombing on the Sheerness Area in retaliation
for British bombing in Germany. Ships slipped at
1230, anchored at Spithead at 2030.
2.
At 2305 I informed Commander in Chief Nore
that I intended GALATEA and ARETHUSA to commence
boiler cleaning at 0900/17. Ships would be four
hours notice for 20 knots and 8 hours notice for
full speed.
17th May
3.
At 0938 Commander in Chief Nore
requested Commander in Chief Portsmouth
to sail GALATEA and ARETHUSA for Portland as
convenient on the 17th with boilers in use if it was
not practicable to berth them in the harbour.
Commander in Chief, Portsmouth, replied that ships
were being brought up harbour,
and they were berthed alongside at 1700 and 1430
respectively.
18th May
4.
GALATEA carried out calibration on the degaussing
range at Stokes Bay. The results of this showed that
the ship was not safe in less than 20 fathoms owing
to the unusual amount of fore and aft permanent
magnetism. To overcome this, it was decided to fit F
and Q coils in addition to the M coil already fitted
and also to carry out deperming.
The
VERNON degaussing representative stated that the
fitting of the additional coils would probably be
completed in about 48 hours. Commander in Chief Nore
approved of the work being taken in hand.
At
2359 GALATEA and ARETHUSA came to 2 ½ hours notice
for 20 knots and 4 hours for full steam.
20th May
5.
At 0015 an aircraft report was received of one enemy
battleship and a large number of destroyers in
position 53-47 degrees North, 7-15 degrees East
steering 270 speed 15 knots.
Commander
in
Chief Home Fleet ordered RENOWN, SOUTHAMPTON,
MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD,
BIRMINGHAM
to raise steam for full speed at 0155. I ordered
GALATEA and ARETHUSA to raise steam for full speed
at 0203. Both ships were ready to proceed by 0415.
It
was eventually reported at 0635 that the enemy
forces consisted of one heavy ship and only four
destroyers and that it seemed likely the heavy ship
had proceeded up the Ems.
The
Commander
in Chief Home Fleet ordered Eighteenth Cruiser
Squadron and RENOWN to keep steam at one hour’s
notice at 0714 and at 0837 I ordered GALATEA and
ARETHUSA to revert to 2 ½ hours notice for 20 knots
and 4 hours for full speed.
6.
At 2307 I informed Commander in Chief Nore
and authorities concerned that I understood that the
degaussing coils in GALATEA could not be completed
until p.m. 24th May. Coils could however be secured
temporarily in place if the ship were ordered to sea
after 1200 on 21st. Deperming
would be completed by 2359/21.
21st May
7.
The Commander in Chief Nore
in his 1212/21 ordered GALATEA and ARETHUSA to sail
for the Humber not later than a.m. 22nd May. I asked
that, if the situation permitted, the sailing might
be deferred until 24th May to allow the degaussing
of GALATEA being completed before proceeding to the
shallow water of the Humber approaches. This was
approved by the Commander in Chief Nore
in his 2223/21.
22nd May
Admiralty
requested
Commander in Chief Home Fleet to sail CALCUTTA for
Portsmouth to join me and be placed temporarily
under the orders of Commander in Chief Nore
(Admiralty telegram 1844/22).
23rd May
CALCUTTA
was sailed from Rosyth accordingly but, by Commander
in Chief Nore’s 1758/23
she was diverted to Harwich.
24th May
I
ordered GALATEA to sail at 1445 to calibrate on
degaussing range, subsequently anchoring at
Spithead
prior to sailing with ARETHUSA for Immingham
at 2300.
However,
at
1258 I was ordered by Commander in Chief Portsmouth
to raise steam for full speed forthwith and at 1300
by Admiralty to raise steam with all dispatch.
GALATEA
proceeded
down harbour at 1450
followed by ARETHUSA.
Orders
were
received in Admiralty Telegram 1349/24 that the two
ships were to proceed towards Dover.
They were to be prepared to bombard a battery
established on shore westward of Calais.
In
Admiralty
Telegram 1515, I was informed the target was
probably behind a hill south of Sangatte.
The approximate position of the battery was ¼ miles
south of a large chalk pit, three miles west of the
town. The hill could not be seen from seaward. Six
Swordfish should then be bombing the target.
On
arrival
at Spithead
I was at first told to anchor, but at 1555 orders
were received to proceed in execution of my previous
orders.
In
my 1637 and 1735 I asked for further information as
to the target to be bombarded, the route to be
followed from Folkestone
gate, and Dover mine barrage, and whether air
spotting aircraft would be available.
Further
details
were contained in Admiralty telegram 1641 received
at 1726 and I started promulgate my intentions.
Before these were completely transmitted, however, I
received Admiralty Telegram 1853 informing me that
the situation at (n.b…..page
chopped …….) and at 2040 Vice Admiral Dover’s
1901 that I was not to pass Dungeness until after
dark and that the bombardment was cancelled.
12.
At 2045 I was ordered by Vice Admiral Dover 2035 to
return to Portsmouth, but these orders were
cancelled by Admiralty Telegram 2222 which directed
me to proceed to Sheerness with my Squadron.
25th May
13.
GALATEA and ARETHUSA arrived
Sheerness at 0700 and were placed on half an hour’s
notice for steam. The Commander in Chief, The Nore,
subsequently approved that they should be at two
hours notice between 1930 and 0145 and a half an
hour’s notice from 0315 to 1930 daily.
26th May
14.
At 0133, the Commander in Chief, the Nore,
ordered me to detail a cruiser to raise steam and be
ready to slip by 0345 to bombard Calais. GALATEA was
detailed and slipped at 0430.
Admiralty
telegram
0148, received before sailing, confirmed that the
object was to bombard enemy batteries that disclosed
themselves or enemy positions that could be located.
Spotting, reconnaissance and fighter protection were
being arranged. The Operation was under the orders
of Vice Admiral Dover.
15.
GRAFTON was ordered by Vice Admiral, Dover, to
escort the GALATEA from the Downs onward.
16.
GALATEA arrived off Calais
at 0730 and commenced bombardment of the batteries
to the westward of the town at 0759. A full report
on the bombardment is being rendered by GALATEA. All
H.E. was expended by 1003, 197 rounds having been
fired. At 1005 the aircraft reported 10 minutes fuel
remaining. The aircraft did not appear to be able to
spot C.P.B.C. bursts and returned to base for fuel.
Visibility was deteriorating and GALATEA returned to
Sheerness, arriving there at 1400. GRAFTON was
detached to Dover at 1100.
17.
At 0900 one of the spotting aircraft had been
attacked by two enemy fighters. He put up a very
good show and had, I hoped, escaped unscathed. I
learnt subsequently to my regret that the observer
had fallen out of the aircraft during the attack and
been killed.
The
result
of the bombardment as far as could be ascertained
was that two batteries were silenced.
18.
At 1025 Vice Admiral Dover signalled
that Calais asked for continued artillery support,
and at 1108 I informed him that ARETHUSA was at half
an hour’s notice for steam if required.
At
1215 ARETHUSA was ordered by Admiralty (…..n.b.
page chopped…..)
19.
She was ordered by Vice Admiral, Dover, in his 1906
to proceed to Portsmouth on completion of the
bombardment. She was subsequently ordered at 2126 to
anchor in the Downs
for the night and at 1224/27 to proceed to
Sheerness, a proposed bombardment of Dunkirk having
been cancelled.
20.
At 1847 Commander in Chief, the Nore,
ordered cruisers and destroyers at Sheerness,
Harwich, and the Humber to come to half an hour’s
notice, and at 2240 he ordered the following
dispositions:
21.
Force A: CODRINGTON, JAVELIN, JAGUAR, GRENADE to be
in position 52-00 degrees North, 03-00 degrees East
at 0400 and patrol thence to Brown Ridge to act as
distant covering force for merchant vessels leaving
French ports.
Force
B: GALATEA to leave Sheerness at daylight and
rendezvous with BLYSKAWICA, GALLANT, and VIVACIOUS,
then patrolling between position 51-47N, 01-48-36E
and South Falls Buoy.
22.
Both forces were to stand by for further calls as
required. They were to use high speed or retire as
necessary if air attacks became unpleasant. Fighter
protection would be available if required.
27th May
23.
GALATEA slipped at 0345. She left patrol at 1845 by
order of the Commander in Chief, the Nore,
arriving Sheerness at 2030.
24.
PENELOPE arrived
Greenock on 16th May. Her provisional programme
was to dock in the Clyde on or about 10th June for
temporary repairs to render her sufficiently
seaworthy for onward passage. Her final destination
was not then settled.
25.
On 26th May, Commander in Chief, Home Fleet, ordered
AURORA, if fuel permitted to Portsmouth westabout
via the Minches to be
taken in hand for repairs. She arrived at Portsmouth
at 0600 on 29th May.
(n.b.
no entries for 28th to 31st May, inclusive)
SECRET
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
June
1940
(Thursday, 30th May)
Rear
Admiral
A.T.B. Curteis assumed
command of Second Cruiser Squadron, Flag being
hoisted in GALATEA at Sheerness.
ARETHUSA
in
company
(n.b.
apparently no entries for 1st to 3rd June,
inclusive)
Tuesday, 4th June
ARETHUSA
sailed
for Gibraltar
at 1603 in accordance with Admiralty Message 1030/4
June.
Wednesday, 5th June
CARDIFF
joined flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second
Cruiser Squadron at Sheerness in accordance with
Admiralty message 1119/4 June.
Saturday, 8th June
CARDIFF
sailed in accordance with Admiralty message 1418/8
June.
Friday, 14th June
CARDIFF
rejoined
flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser
Squadron, at Sheerness in accordance with Admiralty
message 1916/13 June.
Sunday, 16th June
GALATEA
and
IMOGEN sailed for Spithead
at 1715 in accordance with Admiralty message 1646/16
June.
GRIFFIN
joined off Dover.
Monday, 17th June
GALATEA,
IMOGEN,
and GRIFFIN
anchored at Spithead
at 0720.
GALATEA
carried
out runs over the Stokes Bay degaussing range p.m.
Tuesday, 18th June
GALATEA,
IMOGEN,
and GRIFFIN
sailed for Plymouth
at 0315 in accordance with Commander in Chief,
Portsmouth 0127/18 June.
Arrived
Plymouth and anchored in Sound at 0945.
NOTE:
Narrative of events between 19th and 27th June
inclusive have been forwarded to Commander in Chief,
Western Approaches in C.S. 2 42/021/2 of 6th July.
Wednesday, 19th June
GALATEA
sailed
for Arcachon at 1715 in
accordance with Admiralty Message 1354/19 June.
Thursday,
20th
to Friday 21st June
GALATEA
patrolled
of Arcachon. Rear
Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron in
communication with H.M. Ambassador to
France at Bordeaux.
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron in general charge
of evacuation of British refugees and Polish troops
from West Coast of France.
Saturday, 22nd June
GALATEA
patrolled
off Arcachon and
steamed to the southward during the night.
Sunday, 23rd June
H.M.C.S.
FRASER
embarked H.M. Ambassador and staff at 1100 off Arcachon.
GALATEA proceeded to St Jean de Luz, anchoring the
Bay at 1344.
H.M.C.S.
FRASER
arrived at 1500 and H.M. Ambassador and staff were
transferred to GALATEA.
CALCUTTA
arrived at 2100 and Flag of Rear Admiral Commanding,
Second Cruiser Squadron was transferred to her at
2300, GALATEA sailing for Plymouth at 0130/24 June.
Monday, 24th June
CALCUTTA at St Jean de Luz. Embarkation
(….n.b. page
chopped…..)
Tuesday, 25th June
Evacuation
completed
and last convoy sailed for United Kingdom by 1530.
CALCUTTA, HIGHLANDER, FRASER, RESTIGOUCHE sailed 1530 to
sweep for foreign merchant vessels while
proceeding to Plymouth.
HIGHLANDER
detached
to Bayonne
and up the coast at 1630.
FRASER
collided
with CALCUTTA
at 2215, the former being cut in half. The fore part
sank, and after survivors had been picked up the
after part was sunk.
Wednesday, 26th June
HIGHLANDER
rejoined
0430 and formed A/S screen for CALCUTTA.
RESTIGOUCHE
sent
on to the Plymouth
with all despatch with
injured survivors from FRASER.
Thursday 27th June
CALCUTTA
and HIGHLANDER arrived
Plymouth 0945.
Flag
of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron
transferred to GALATEA at 1100.
(n.b.
no entries for 28th – 30th June, inclusive.)
SECRET
WAR
DIARY – SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
1st
- 15th July 1940
Monday 1st July
GALATEA at Plymouth.
Proceeded
up
harbour A.M. and landed
at catapult at Devonport dockyard.
Proceeded
to
sea p.m. and carried out 6 inch sub calibre
and full calibre
firings at target, and 4 inch H.A. full calibre
at sleeve target.
Tuesday 2nd July
Received
orders
for operation “G.S.F.” and preparations made.
NEWCASTLE
arrived 2030.
Wednesday 3rd July
0415.
Commenced Operation “G.S.F.” taking control of
French ships LE TRIOMPHANT and MISTRAL (separate
report forwarded – 2nd C.S. 41/02/1 of 5th July,
1940 to Commander in Chief, Western Approaches).
1900.
GALATEA slipped and proceeded on passage to Humber,
in accordance with Admiralty Message 1356/3rd July.
Thursday 4th July
GALATEA on passage.
Arrived Immingham and
anchored in A2 berth at 1854.
Friday 5th July
1900.
AURORA joined my flag on completion of refit at
Portsmouth.
Saturday 6th July
AURORA
sailed 1930 to reinforce patrol “U” (Flamborough
Head to Sheringham
Light Float).
Sunday 7th July
Commander in Chief, Nore’s
1146/7 received, ordering one ship of Second
Cruiser Squadron to reinforce patrol “U” each
night until further notice.
This
was carried out by GALATEA on the nights of 7th,
9th, and 11th, and AURORA
on the nights of 8th and 10th.
Thursday 11th July
AURORA
attacked
by enemy aircraft at 0516 while on patrol. No
damage.
Friday 12th July
Reinforcement
of
patrol “U” by one ship of Second Cruiser Squadron
was suspended until further notice, in accordance
with Commander in Chief, Nore’s
1130/11th July.
Sunday 14th July
AURORA
sailed for Scapa to carry out gunnery practices in
accordance with my 2325 and 2326/13th July
(n.b.
no entry for 15th July)
SECRET
H.M.S. GALATEA -
8th August 1940
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY – 16th – 31st JULY 1940
Tuesday 17th to Monday 22nd
GALATEA at Immingham.
AURORA
at Scapa (Gunnery Practices)
Monday 22nd
July
1700.
GALATEA left Immingham
for Scapa.
AURORA
returned
to Immingham from Scapa
Tuesday 23rd
July
GALATEA
arrived
Scapa 1430
Wednesday 24th
July
GALATEA
carried
out 6 inch sub calibre
practices A.M.
Thursday 25th
July
GALATEA
carried
out 6 inch full calibre
firing A.M.
6
inch sub calibre firing
P.M.
Friday 26th
July
GALATEA
carried
out 6 inch full calibre
firing A.M.
4
inch H.A. full calibre
firing P.M.
On
completion,
GALATEA sailed for Humber.
Saturday 27th
July
GALATEA
arrived
Immingham.
SECRET
H.M.S. GALATEA -
1st September 1940
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY, AUGUST 1940
PART
I
Thursday 1st
August
GALATEA (C.S. 2) and AURORA at Immingham.
CARDIFF at Harwich.
Monday 26th
August
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, in GALATEA
with CARDIFF left Scapa at 0130 for Humber
in accordance with Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet’s 2345/25 and arrived
Immingham 2000.
Wednesday 28th
August
CARDIFF taken in hand for repairs to D.G. Circuit by
Humber Graving Dock Co.
Friday 30th
August
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, in GALATEA
with AURORA proceed to sea at 0930 for exercises
off the Humber, returning to Immingham
at 1700.
PART
II
During
August
1940, the effective strength of the Second Cruiser
Squadron consisted of:
GALATEA (Flag of Rear
Admiral)
AURORA
CARDIFF
2.
GALATEA and AURORA were based at Immingham
and CARDIFF at Harwich.
3.
It was considered that cruisers of the Nore
Command were getting insufficient sea time and
gunnery practices (Commander in Chief, Nore’s
2050/6 and 1108/7).
4.
Arrangements were accordingly made to sail ships
singly for a week’s practices at Scapa.
AURORA
left on 9th August and was able to carry out 6
days exercises, followed by a period of 5 days at
Rosyth, during which period 2 boilers were
cleaned.
5.
GALATEA left on 20th August, and CARDIFF, on 23rd
August, left Humber
for Scapa, but were
able to remain there only for 4 days and 36 hours,
respectively, being then sailed with despatch
to return to Humber.
SECRET
H.M.S. GALATEA - 16TH SEPTEMBER 1940
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY 1st – 15th SEPTEMBER 1940
PART
I
Sunday 1st
September
GALATEA
and
AURORA proceeded to sea at 0130 in accordance
with Commander in Chief, Nore’s
2325/31 August, and steamed down swept channel.
WINCHESTER
joined at 0500 and CARDIFF,
who had been delayed by unlocking at 0530.
The
Squadron
returned to Immingham
in accordance with Commander in Chief, Nore’s
0207/1 September.
A
mine exploded at 0736, about 100 yards on GALATEA’s
port bow and some damage was caused to the ship.
The occurrence was reported to Commander in
Chief, Nore, in 2nd
C.S. 147/021/1 of 5th September 1940.
Tuesday, 3rd
September
GALATEA
entered
dock for repairs by the Humber Graving Dock
Company and exchange of heightfinder.
Thursday 5th
September
GALATEA
undocked
at 1800, and at 2130 the Second Cruiser Squadron
sailed for Sheerness in accordance with
Commander In Chief, Nore’s
1050/5 and my 1703/5, being joined by VENOMOUS
and WILD SWAN off the Humber Light Vessel.
Friday 6th
September
The
Second
Cruiser Squadron arrived at Sheerness at 0845,
destroyers having been detached to Harwich.
Saturday 7th
September
CARDIFF
left the flag of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second
Cruiser Squadron, and sailed for Portsmouth at
1830, escorted by FERNIE and BERKELEY.
Sunday 8th
September
The
Second
Cruiser Squadron the Twenty First Destroyer
Flotilla, carried out operations off Calais
and Boulogne in accordance with Admiralty
message 1210/5 September.
The
report
has been forwarded to the Commander in Chief, Nore,
in 2nd C.S. 083/2 of 9th September 1940 and 2nd C.S. 082/2 of
11th September 1940.
Monday 9th
September
The
Second
Cruiser Squadron returned to Sheerness at 0700.
A mine exploded close to GALATEA’s
starboard side at 0525 in the vicinity of the
East Tongue Buoy and some damage was again
caused. The occurrence was reported to Commander
In Chief, Nore, in
2nd C.S. 162/021/1 of 12th September 1940.
SECRET
From
1st to 7th September, the Second Cruiser
Squadron consisted of GALATEA (Flag), AURORA,
and CARDIFF.
CARDIFF
was transferred to the command of Commander in
Chief, Portsmouth, on 7th September.
2.
The Squadron moved from Immingham
to Sheerness on 5th September, and has
experienced air raids several times daily since
arrival. The majority of these raids have been
attempts to London and have passed and returned
via the Sheerness area.
On
one occasion a stick of bombs was aimed at
GALATEA by a single enemy raider, and both ships
of the squadron have opened fire with 4 inch and
close range weapons on several occasions.
3.
It has been the practice to shift berth to
anchor berth off Southend
after dark on clear nights, with the object of
avoiding air attack. On these occasions, both
ships return to buoys at Sheerness at 0700 the
next morning.
SECRET
H.M.S. ARETHUSA - 2ND November 1940
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY, 16TH SEPTEMBER – 31ST OCTOBER 1940
PART
I
16th September – 9th October
Nothing to report.
Thursday, 10th
October
Flag
of Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser
Squadron, transferred from GALATEA to ARETHUSA.
ARETHUSA
sailed
for Scapa for gunnery practices.
Wednesday, 23rd
October
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, in ARETHUSA
with NORFOLK and SOUTHAMPTON left Scapa 1440 in
accordance with Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s
signal 1249/23 proceeding towards Stadlandet.
Thursday, 24th
October
Returned
to
Scapa 1800
Saturday, 26th
October
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, left Scapa
in ARETHUSA for Rosyth.
Sunday, 27th
October
ARETHUSA
in
collision with merchant ship in EN.12 Convoy at
0323 in position 58-03 degrees North
, 02-17 degrees West.
ARETHUSA
proceeded
to Rosyth arriving 1200.
Tuesday, 29th
October
ARETHUSA
left
Rosyth for Tyne
and was taken in hand for repairs to stem by
Smith’s Dock Co., North Shields
SECRET
PART
II
On
Wednesday,
23rd October, while ARETHUSA was exercising at
Scapa, intelligence was received of the
possibility of a movement of enemy surface
forces from Northern Norway
to the Skagerrak.
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron, was ordered
to take NORFOLK and SOUTHAMPTON (Group One)
under his orders and proceed towards Stadlandet
(Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s Signal
1249/23).
2.
Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteenth Cruiser
Squadron was carrying out a sweep off the
Norwegian coast (in the vicinity of Egero)
with NAIAD and BONAVENTURE, and Captain (D)
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla another sweep in the
vicinity of Stadlandet.
3.
Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser
Squadron, was to be in support of Captain (D)
Sixth Destroyer Flotilla, and Vice Admiral
Commanding, Battle Cruiser Squadron with HOOD,
REPULSE, DIDO, PHOEBE, and a destroyer screen in
support of Rear Admiral Commanding, Fifteen
Cruiser Squadron.
4.
Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser
Squadron, with Group One, left Scapa at 1440 and
proceeded, making
good 26 knots, for a position 30 miles off Stadlandet.
5.
On reaching the latitude of 62 degrees North,
at 0240/24 course was altered to 265 degrees in
accordance with previous instructions to this
effect if nothing had been sighted by then.
6.
Contact was made with Captain (D) Sixth
Destroyer Flotilla at daylight on 24th and all
forces returned to their bases, Group One
arriving at Scapa at 1800.
7.
At 0325/27th October, while on passage from
Scapa to Rosyth, ARETHUSA collided with an
unknown merchant ship in the EN.12 Convoy, some
23 miles 344 degrees from Kinnaird Head. The
merchant ship proceeded on her way and ARETHUSA
with slight damage to her stem proceeded to
Rosyth.
The
merchant
ship concerned later to have been the S.S.
FLAMINIAN, Ellerman
Lines, Ltd.
8.
On Tuesday, 27th, ARETHUSA proceed
to the Tyne and was taken in hand for repairs by
Smith’s Dock, Co., North Shields.
SECRET
H.M.S. ARETHUSA - 12TH January 1941
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY, 1st NOVEMBER – 15th DECEMBER 1940
PART
I
Saturday, 23rd Nov.
AURORA
left Scapa as escort for minelayers in Operation
S.N. 11.
Friday, 29th Nov.
AURORA
returned
to Scapa
Tuesday, 3rd Dec. and Wednesday 4th Dec.
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron in ARETHUSA
with AURORA carried out Operation D.N.
A
report of this operation was forwarded in Second
Cruiser Squadron’s No. 178/249/021/1 of 4th
December 1040 to Commander in Chief, Home
Fleet.
Thursday, 5th December
Rear
Admiral
Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron sailed from
Scapa in ARETHUSA as ocean escort for minelayers
in Operation S.N. 10A
Sunday, 8th December
Operation
S.N.
10 A completed
Tuesday, 10th December
Rear Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron
in ARETHUSA arrived
Scapa.
SECRET
H.M.S. ARETHUSA - 12TH January 1941
REAR
ADMIRAL COMMANDING, SECOND CRUISER SQUADRON
WAR
DIARY, 16th DECEMBER – 31st
DECEMBER 1940
PART
I
Tuesday, 24th December
AURORA
left Scapa and arrived Oban in accordance with
Commander in Chief, Home Fleet’s 0001/24/12/40
and Admiralty’s 0749/24/12/40
Thursday, 26th December
AURORA
left Oban and arrived Scapa in accordance with
Admiralty’s 2157/25/12/40 and Commander in
Chief, Home Fleet’s 2356/26/12/40
